Dear Ve\u030cra Jourova\u0301,<\/p>\n
We are writing to you in our capacity as a\u00a0group of frontline journalists and publishers from across the central and eastern european region. The Association of Independent Journalists is the only organisation which brings together writers and editors from the whole region who have to face these issues at the coal face. The Association receives support from the Committee for Editorial Independence which scrutinises publications of the Prague based media company, Economia, for any evidence of proprietorial, governmental or commercial interference in its publications.<\/p>\n
Our work affords us a\u00a0unique authentic insight into the problems of press freedom. We have watched with growing consternation as cracks have appeared in what were supposed to be the unbreakable foundations of Europe\u2019s\u00a0media freedoms. First in Hungary, now in Poland, Slovenia and Czechia, those cracks are widening. We also have concerns about deteriorating conditions in Bulgaria and Greece.<\/p>\n
Warnings first issued when Hungary\u2019s\u00a0government began systematically dismantling the country\u2019s\u00a0free press in 2010 were not heeded. Now, a\u00a0decade later, we see the consequences\u00a0of that inaction \u2013 leaders of EU member states actively suppressing an independent press to avoid being held to account.<\/p>\n
As you yourself have said, we need tools which can guarantee the vital role played by independent media in a\u00a0democratic society. We fear that without urgent action aimed at identifying and implementing such tools, it will be too late to stop the rot. For this reason, we warmly welcome your announcement that the European Commission has launched an infringement procedure against Hungary, following the Media Council in Budapest\u2019s\u00a0rejection of Klubra\u0301dio\u0301\u2019s\u00a0application for a\u00a0broadcasting license.<\/p>\n
This is an encouraging move but not yet one which addresses systemic shortcomings. Failing to act to stop the metastasizing encroachments on press freedom will threaten the very functioning of our democratic institutions, relying as they do\u00a0on commonly understood points of principle, transparency, and the rule of law.<\/p>\n
We appreciate that you are well aware of the dangers the European Union faces in this regard and we recognise that the EU faces significant political constraints when trying to ensure that member states uphold their solemn commitments to our rules-based system.<\/p>\n
We believe there is scope for the EU to develop creative responses to attacks on the free media by using those tools at its disposal, especially with regard to the single market and the safeguarding of data as a\u00a0key commodity. This is a\u00a0process in which we would be happy to offer reflection and engagement.<\/p>\n