Rule of law, fundamental rights and misuse of EU funds in Slovakia: the need for an EU response

Tabled by Milan Uhrík, Milan Mazurek

15. Removed: Expresses deep concern about the deterioration of media freedom and pluralism in Slovakia, including political interference in public service media, pressure on journalists through a climate of hostility, smear campaigns and disinformation, the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), including by high-ranking political figures, and the risk of a concentration of media ownership in politically aligned hands, combined with dismissals of key cultural institution leaders, which risk creating a chilling effect on press freedom and public discourse; stresses that a weakened media environment significantly reduces democratic scrutiny and facilitates corruption in the implementation of EU funds; calls on the Slovak authorities to fully implement the Commission’s recommendations regarding the media, in particular as regards the legal framework for public service media, in compliance with the European Media Freedom Act and ensuring editorial independence and the protection of journalists; calls on Slovakia to fully and effectively comply with the European Media Freedom Act and urges the Commission to closely and proactively monitor its implementation; recalls that the Slovak authorities have to respect the freedom of expression and arts in the functioning and funding of cultural institutions, and to refrain from the misuse of legal actions that restrict public debate; pays tribute to Ján Kuciak following his assassination and to his essential work as an investigative journalist; calls on the Slovak authorities to ensure that justice is served in this case; Added: Stresses that the regulation and organisation of the media landscape are part of the sovereign prerogative of the Member States, while emphasising the fundamental principle that journalists and media outlets should maintain strict impartiality, professional independence and objectivity in their reporting;

Wording as published by the EP, in English. PE783.288