Dutch MEP

The European Parliament debated rule of law backsliding and media freedom issues in Greece on Wednesday, after criticism and warnings from journalists, civil society and MEPs.

Dutch MEP and president of the spyware investigation committee Sophie in 't Veld presents draft findings of the inquiry in Brussels, November 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE/OLIVIER HOSLET

Ljubljana – A delegation of the European Parliament’s committee on civil liberties, justice and home affairs (LIBE) visiting Slovenia on a fact-finding mission has expressed concern mainly at the tone of public debate, while also calling for the issues of STA funding and European delegated prosecutor appointments to be addressed urgently.

The delegation from the LIBE Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group, on a mission monitoring the rule of law in Bulgaria, was not satisfied with its meeting with Chief Prosecutor Ivan Geshev, Dutch MEP and leader of the delegation Sophia in 't Veld (Renew Europe) said on Friday.

Strasbourg – MEPs from the majority of political groups in the European Parliament sent PM Janez Janša some stark messages about the rule of law after he presented Slovenia’s EU presidency priorities in the Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday. His European People’s Party (EPP) too urged him to promptly appoint European delegated prosecutors.

Ljubljana/Brussels – The European Parliament’s democracy monitoring group has addressed almost fifty written questions to the Slovenian government, Prime Minister Janez Janša and Culture Minister Vasko Simoniti, as it is trying to fully assess media freedom in Slovenia.

Brussels – Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša has called on Dutch MEP Sophie in ‘t Veld (Renew/D66) to resign as chair of the European Parliament’s democracy monitoring group. The move comes after Friday’s incident during the group’s public debate and censorship allegations.

Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa left a video debate on media freedom in his country organised by the European Parliament's monitoring group on Friday, cutting off the opportunity for European lawmakers to ask him questions, but also to defend his views.

Brussels – Addressing the EU Parliament plenary on Wednesday, EU Commission Vice President for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova pointed to continuous attempts to undermine the sustainable funding and the independence of the Slovenian Press Agency (STA). She also noted that frequent verbal attacks against journalists in the country were cause for concern.

Ljubljana – The European Parliament’s Democracy, Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights Monitoring Group held a virtual public discussion on media freedom in Slovenia on Friday featuring representatives from Slovenia and the European Commission. Group members expressed concern about the situation and their expectations for the Commission to take action.