Attacks on media freedom and the EU legal order must end: EP
01:30
To the long list of concerns related to the state of EU values in Poland, MEPs are adding the latest attempts to silence critical voices and undermine the primacy of EU law – emphasized the European Parliament. In a resolution adopted with 502 votes in favor, 149 against, and 36 abstentions, the EP condemned the "continued deterioration in the situation of media freedom and the rule of law in Poland". The vote took place the day after the plenary debate with Commission Vice-President Vera Jourova and EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders.
The European Parliament noted that it had previously shown concern about the "transformation of a public service broadcaster into a pro-government organization". MEPs criticize "in the sharpest words" the "Lex TVN" act adopted by the Sejm but rejected in the Senate. They describe it as "an attempt to silence critical content and a direct attack on media pluralism", which violates EU and international law. MEPs emphasize that it is also alarming that the state-owned oil company PKN Orlen took over the Polska Press group before the resolution of the case of the Ombudsman's appeal against the decision of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection. They are also very concerned about the editorial changes made by the new owners of the Polska Press group, despite the ongoing appeal procedure, which temporarily “freezes” their rights.
"The European Parliament once again strongly condemns the smear campaigns against judges, journalists, and politicians, including the use of SLAPP (strategic actions aimed at suppressing public debate), initiated by government agencies and officials, state-owned companies and people closely associated with the government coalition," the release stresses.
MEPs welcomed recent initiatives by the European Commission on the independence of the judiciary in Poland, but believe that faster action could help avoid its continued erosion.
