In a resolution adopted on Wednesday 25 November (553 votes in favour, 54 against, 89 abstentions), the European Parliament reaffirmed “its continued deep concern about the state of media freedom within the EU”.
The adopted text denounces attempts by European governments to silence critical and independent media. MEPs regret that “in some Member States public broadcasting has become an example of pro-government propaganda”.
They therefore call on the Commission to assess, in its annual report on the Rule of law, the transparency of media ownership in each State, as well as private and governmental interference in the sector.
“In the past, the EU has often waited until it was too late to act”, Slovenian MEP Irena Joveva regretted on Wednesday during a plenary debate on Hungary’s interference in the media in Slovenia and North Macedonia.
Considering the situation “already out of control” in her country, Mrs Joveva said she was waiting for “an official statement” from the Commission on the subject.
Protect journalists. The Parliament resolution also condemns the violence and pressure faced by a growing number of journalists.
Public figures and representatives of the authorities are urged to “refrain from denigrating journalists” and are reminded of the legal obligation to investigate all attacks.
The adopted text also stresses, among other things, that women are disproportionately targeted for abuse. 52% of women working in the media have been victims of online harassment, threats or attacks in the past year alone, MEPs say.
Covid-19. A stronger legal framework to combat the rise of online hate speech is also called for.
Finally, on this point, the resolution deplores the manipulation of information on the Covid-19 pandemic and warns of its “devastating social and economic impact” for the sector.
Read the resolution: https://bit.ly/37eukzF (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki)