EU criticises limit media freedom in some member states

The European Union warned on Wednesday of a worrying “development” concerning media freedom in eastern member states -- Hungary, Poland and Slovenia.

The powerful “leaders are those who gain respect through their actions, accept the variety of thoughts and allow citizens to be properly informed, not those who try to silence critical voices”, Commission Vice President Vera Jourova said before the European Parliament.

Unfortunately, additional disturbing developments have occurred in recent months”, she said.

Jourova recalled that authorities in Hungary have cut off the waves of the main independent radio station, Clujbardio, who has been critical of the populist government of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Hungary shuts down its last independent radio.

She also spoke of broadcasters ' protests in Poland against a tax of nonstate media advertising that, they say, limits pluralism.

In Slovenia, Yourova criticised the government's “efforts to undermine the stable financing and independence of the national press agency”, as well as frequent verbal attacks against journalists”.

For all these cases, the Commission has been in touch with national authorities and continues to monitor the situation”, Jourova said.

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The Commission has issued several <x0 comments for violations” in Hungary and Poland, and the European Court of Justice has supported several complaints.

But they have done little to change the political direction of governments in question.(REL)