2020/2009(INI) Strengthening Media Freedom: the Protection of Journalists in Europe, Hate Speech, Disinformation and the Role of Platforms
Lead committee dossier:
Progress: Procedure completed
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | LIBE |
ADAMOWICZ Magdalena ( EPP)
|
YONCHEVA Elena ( S&D),
STRUGARIU Ramona ( Renew),
KUHNKE Alice ( Verts/ALE),
VANDENDRIESSCHE Tom ( ID),
ĎURIŠ NICHOLSONOVÁ Lucia ( ECR),
ARVANITIS Konstantinos ( GUE/NGL)
|
| Committee Opinion | CULT |
RIBA I GINER Diana ( Verts/ALE)
|
Martina MICHELS ( GUE/NGL),
Christine ANDERSON ( ID),
Irena JOVEVA ( RE),
Loucas FOURLAS ( PPE),
Dace MELBĀRDE ( ECR),
Łukasz KOHUT ( S&D)
|
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54
Legal Basis:
RoP 54Subjects
Events
2021/06/02
EC - Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
2020/11/26
EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2020/11/25
EP - Results of vote in Parliament
Documents
2020/11/25
EP - Decision by Parliament
Details
The European Parliament adopted by 553 votes to 54, with 89 abstentions, a resolution on strengthening media freedom: the protection of journalists in Europe, hate speech, disinformation and the role of platforms.
Members recalled that the freedom, pluralism, independence and safety of journalists are essential components of the right to freedom of expression and information and are indispensable for the democratic functioning of the European Union and its Member States.
Media freedom has deteriorated in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified this decline and has also highlighted the importance of the media and the right to access independent, diverse and reliable information.
Media Freedom, media pluralism and the protection of journalists in Europe
Members reiterated their deep concern about the state of media freedom, in the context of continuing attacks in some Member States on journalists and media professionals because of their work, as well as the increasing denigration of the profession by the general public.
Parliament called on the Commission and the Member States to promote sustainable measures to fund and support independent and quality journalism, to develop a reliable framework for the protection of media freedom and pluralism and to strengthen tools such as the Media Pluralism Monitoring Instrument and the Council of Europe Platform for the Protection of Journalism and the Safety of Journalists.
Members condemned attempts to control public service media, particularly through public advertising, regretting that in some Member States public radio and television have become channels for pro-government propaganda.
They called on the Commission to treat attempts by Member State governments to damage media freedom and pluralism as constituting a serious and systematic abuse of powers and as going against the fundamental values of the EU as enshrined in Article 2 of the EU Treaty.
Stressing the risk to pluralism posed by the concentration of media ownership, Parliament called on the Commission to step up its efforts to ensure that the media publish information on their ownership structures, taking particular care to avoid political interference. The resolution stressed in this context that EU money cannot be spent on state-controlled media and media that distribute political propaganda.
Parliament condemned the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) to silence or intimidate investigative journalists and outlets and create a climate of fear around their reporting of certain topics. It reiterated its call on the Commission to come forward with a comprehensive proposal for a legislative act aiming to establish minimum standards against SLAPP practices across the EU. Women journalists are especially vulnerable to harassment and intimidation and should therefore be subject to additional safeguards.
Members also expressed concern about attempts to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to sanction independent and critical media and to restrict media access to government decisions and actions. They reiterated their call for the creation of a permanent European fund for journalists in the framework of the next MFF (2021-2027), as redrafted in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, to provide direct financial support to journalists and independent media.
Hate speech
Deploring the increasing use of hate speech in political communication by governments and political parties across the EU, Parliament called on Member States to strongly condemn and sanction hate crimes, hate speech and scapegoating by politicians and public officials, at all levels and on all types of media.
Members also called on Member States, within the limits of the law, to guarantee and encourage freedom of expression, including artistic freedom, which is essential to vigorous democratic debate. However, they recalled that racist and xenophobic speech is not covered by freedom of expression. They reiterated their call on the Commission, Member States and social media companies to counter the spread of racism, xenophobia, LGBTI+ phobia and religious hatred on the internet.
Disinformation and the role of platforms
Members noted that social media have played a significant role in spreading misinformation and foreign interference. In addition, various forms of misinformation related, inter alia, to the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to spread around the world, most often targeting the most vulnerable communities with potentially harmful consequences for public safety, health and effective crisis management.
Parliament called for enhanced cooperation between online platforms and law enforcement agencies to limit the spread of messages inciting hatred or violence. However, the removal of illegal content should always be subject to review by the courts of the Member States in order to protect freedom of expression, including artistic freedom, the right to free and independent information and the fundamental rights of citizens in general.
Members also condemned conspiracy theories and publicly funded misinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting the EU and misleading the public about its aims and activities.
Media literacy
Parliament stressed the need to develop a comprehensive EU strategy on media literacy. It called on the Commission and the Member States to promote programmes and policies to foster media and information literacy among journalists and media practitioners, and to develop critical thinking and conscious reflection on the use of information and communication technologies. It suggested working closely with Member States and civil society organisations to develop curricula on information, media and data literacy.
Documents
2020/11/23
EP - Debate in Parliament
Documents
2020/11/03
EP - Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
Documents
2020/11/03
EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Documents
2020/10/27
EP - Vote in committee
2020/09/23
EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2020/07/07
EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2020/05/14
EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2020/01/16
EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2020/01/16
EP - Referral to associated committees announced in Parliament
2019/12/12
EP - RIBA I GINER Diana (Verts/ALE) appointed as rapporteur in CULT
2019/12/02
EP - ADAMOWICZ Magdalena (EPP) appointed as rapporteur in LIBE
Documents
- Commission response to text adopted in plenary: SP(2021)129
- Results of vote in Parliament: Results of vote in Parliament
- Decision by Parliament: T9-0320/2020
- Debate in Parliament: Debate in Parliament
- Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading: A9-0205/2020
- Committee report tabled for plenary: A9-0205/2020
- Committee opinion: PE648.611
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE654.073
- Committee draft report: PE652.307
- Committee draft report: PE652.307
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE654.073
- Committee opinion: PE648.611
- Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading: A9-0205/2020
- Commission response to text adopted in plenary: SP(2021)129
Activities
- Heidi HAUTALA
Plenary Speeches (2)
- 2020/11/23 Strengthening media freedom: the protection of journalists in Europe, hate speech, disinformation and the role of platforms (short presentation)
- 2020/11/23 Strengthening media freedom: the protection of journalists in Europe, hate speech, disinformation and the role of platforms (short presentation)
- Krzysztof HETMAN
- Magdalena ADAMOWICZ
- Carmen AVRAM
- Elżbieta KRUK
Votes
A9-0205/2020 - Magdalena Adamowicz - Am 1 #
2020/11/24 Outcome: -: 594, +: 98, 0: 6
NIA9-0205/2020 - Magdalena Adamowicz - Résolution #
2020/11/25 Outcome: +: 553, 0: 89, -: 54
| Amendments | Dossier |
| 366 |
2020/2009(INI)
2020/05/06
CULT
77 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 10 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor the implementation of the AVMSD in particular as regards hate speech, protection of minors, independence of national media regulators, transparency and media literacy obligations;
Amendment 11 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Welcomes the recent launch of a European Digital Media Observatory, a platform aimed at networking fact checkers and researchers and at providing media practitioners, teachers and citizens with information to better understand fake news; is confident that this new instrument will help gather best practices and tailor media literacy programmes according to the latest findings; requests that public safety-related information is presented in a clear and simple manner, including in accessible and usable formats for persons with disabilities;
Amendment 12 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 b (new) 1b. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to develop a strategy for improvement, implementation and monitoring of media legislation to effectively tackle the spread of disinformation and fake news, while supporting independent broadcasting, fostering transparency, credibility and independence of media and their freedom;
Amendment 13 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Commission to work in close cooperation with the Member States and civil society organisations to
Amendment 14 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Commission to work in close cooperation with the Member States and civil society organisations to develop
Amendment 15 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Commission to work in close cooperation with the Member States and civil society organisations to help develop
Amendment 16 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Commission to work in close cooperation with the Member States, candidate countries and civil society organisations to develop commonly understood curricula on media literacy and to reach out to all citizens through formal, non-formal and informal education, and through lifelong learning; this should allow the citizens to fully understand the effects of disinformation, to identify and make the distinction between evidence and opinion, while giving them the ability to access and assess information;
Amendment 17 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Commission to work in close cooperation with the Member States, independent and civil society organisations to develop common curricula on media literacy and to reach out to all citizens and journalists through formal, non-formal and informal education, and through lifelong learning; calls for safeguarding independent authorities and ensuring strong independent oversight of media against undue State and commercial intervention, calling on the Member States to ensure impartiality;
Amendment 18 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Believes that civil society organisations (CSOs) are key in fostering media literacy and helping to prevent spreading of hate speech and disinformation; stresses that CSOs are in urgent need of structural support; considers that community media organisations should be integrated as stakeholders in the programmes dedicated to promote journalism and media literacy in Europe, most specifically within the Creative Europe programme (cross- sectoral strand);
Amendment 19 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Highlights the importance of local media structures for the promotion, production and dissemination of information and facts related to local and minority artistic and cultural events, being an important instrument for maintaining media pluralism and a multicultural environment in Europe;
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Considers that in order to fight against disinformation and fake news,
Amendment 20 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Underlines the crucial importance of independent journalism in sustaining media pluralism and transparency of the democratic process; calls on the Commission to include studies and courses on independent journalism in appropriate EU funded projects and programmes;
Amendment 21 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Considers that media itself can and must play an important role in promoting media literacy;
Amendment 22 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Calls to streamline and integrate media literacy in other EU programmes that support education and media as a tool for inclusion and to develop critical thinking among citizens;
Amendment 23 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Stresses th
Amendment 24 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Stresses that media pluralism is under serious threat both online and offline due to the excessive concentration of media ownership, which
Amendment 25 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Stresses that media pluralism is under serious threat both online and offline due to the excessive concentration of media ownership, which has often resulted in dominant actors in the media sector using information to pursue political
Amendment 26 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Stresses that media pluralism is under serious threat both online and offline, on the one hand due to the excessive concentration of media ownership, which has resulted in dominant actors in the media sector using information to pursue political and social objectives and in the lowering of the quality, diversity and reliability of the information available, and on the other hand because of the uncritical passing of false allegations and political opinions presented as facts between media which in terms of the media ownership background are not necessarily interconnected;
Amendment 27 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Stresses the importance of ensuring the maintenance of media freedom and pluralism for democracy, and of strengthening the economic growth and its sustainability; therefore encourages the Commission to provide a common mechanism of transparency of media ownership and funding sources, thus allowing citizens to make an informed judgement about the source of the information received; reiterates the importance of ensuring the protection of journalists and adequate protection of journalistic sources, especially during the societal crisis and the transformation of the media sector;
Amendment 28 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Underlines that media professionals and artists often work in precarious conditions with regard to their contracts, salaries and social guarantees, which compromises their ability to work appropriately and thus hampers media pluralism and freedom; asks the Commission to work closely with Member States in order to improve the status and working conditions of the artists;
Amendment 29 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Considers that accumulation of political, economic and media power in the hands of the same actors in order to retain political power is constituting a threat to the expression of opinion and in its consequences is damaging democratic competition in some Member States;
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Considers that in order to fight
Amendment 30 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Recalls the need for transparency of media ownership and its funding sources to be easily accessible to citizens so they can make an informed judgment about the information provided, as well as to reinstate a climate of trust in the media; in this context, media literacy plays an important role;
Amendment 31 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Calls on the Member States and the Commission to increase direct and indirect support to independent media and quality journalism; calls on the Commission to launch a dedicated fund, ensuring an arm's length principle, for these activities;
Amendment 32 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 b (new) 3b. Stresses that on the Internet advertising is increasingly targeted and its revenues are more and more commoditised, mainly to the benefit of digital intermediaries, meaning media services need to provide new and innovative offers; is strongly concerned that the growth of traditional media on the digital market is challenged by some new aggregators and search engines that develop their activities by using right- holders content without contributing to its development and without ensuring fair remuneration of the creators; is in favour of a clarification of the legal status, the role and responsibility of these platforms and content providers;
Amendment 33 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 b (new) Amendment 34 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 c (new) 3c. Warns against overregulation of the media, as this has proved to be counterproductive and could jeopardise media pluralism, highlights however that media ownership must be transparent and national regulators must monitor this aspect particularly, given its role in guaranteeing media pluralism; stresses that particular focus should be placed on transparency and on the market dominance of technology platforms that control users' access to digital content; stresses the importance of EU competition law and underlines the importance of ensuring a level playing field for business by dissolving possible bottlenecks;
Amendment 35 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines its view that non- discriminatory, comprehensive and
Amendment 36 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines its view that non- discriminatory, comprehensive and balanced media coverage is essential to a free and well-informed society in Europe;
Amendment 37 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines its view that non- discriminatory, comprehensive and balanced media coverage is essential to a free and well-informed society in Europe; recalls
Amendment 38 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines its view that non- discriminatory, comprehensive and balanced media coverage is essential to a free and well-informed society in Europe; calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote an inclusive media sphere in which
Amendment 39 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines its view that non- discriminatory, comprehensive and balanced media coverage is essential to a free and well-informed society in Europe; calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote an inclusive media sphere in which more women, minorities, migrants and refugees, as well as members of LGBTI+ communities and people with disabilities, occupy creative and decision- making positions, which would in turn contribute to the reduction of stereotypes in media;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Considers that in order to fight against disinformation and fake news, reinstate a climate of trust in the media and counter threats to democratic political
Amendment 40 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 4. Underlines its view that non- discriminatory, comprehensive and balanced media coverage is essential to a free and well-informed society in Europe; calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote an inclusive media sphere in which more women, migrants and refugees, as well as members of LGBTI+ communities and people with disabilities, occupy creative and decision- making positions, which would in turn contribute to the reduction of stereotypes in media; calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote multilingual and barrier-free media projects;
Amendment 41 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Recognises the internet as the new digital common source of information, giving citizens new opportunities for participation, discussion, shaping of opinions and sharing of information; calls on the Commission to provide a clear legislative path with necessary regulatory and self-regulatory measures for safeguarding the citizens against the illegal content and goods; stresses that special attention needs to be given to measures aimed at preventing repeated offences;
Amendment 42 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Is of the view that trustworthy quality media content prominence requirements, tailored for relevant markets and respecting national language laws, should be considered for platforms that act as gatekeepers;
Amendment 43 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Considers that creating the right environment and level playing field is vital to mitigate disruptive effects of online platforms; highlights that the right framework inter alia would involve treating online environment similar to offline, including for advertising and taxation, and updating competition rules to make them fit for digital age;
Amendment 44 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 4 c (new) 4c. Highlights the need to increase responsibilities and update liability framework for online platforms; considers that providing access for media companies to relevant data (i.e. audience reach and advertising data) from market dominant platforms is crucial to help prevent unfair competition; stresses, however, that any new obligations on platforms should be proportional to their market share and financial capacity in order to help even the level playing field and promote competition instead of stifling it;
Amendment 45 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Considers that
Amendment 46 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Considers that in the fight against disinformation, the core principles of access to information and above all freedom of expression, including artistic freedom, should always prevail, while ensuring that those principles cannot be used as an excuse to justify or legitimate malicious dissemination of fake news or the circumvention of rules or restrictions which constitute necessary, appropriate and proportionate measures within a democratic society to safeguard national security, defence, public security and public health;
Amendment 47 #
5. Considers that in the fight against disinformation, the core principles of access to information and above all freedom of expression, including artistic freedom, should always prevail; highlights that decisions taken by media platforms – e.g. regarding their community standards or recommendation algorithms – have considerable consequences for the exercise of freedom of expression, right to receive impartial information, media freedom, pluralism and democracy;
Amendment 48 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 5. Considers that in the fight against disinformation, misinformation and mal- information, the core principles of access to information and above all freedom of expression, including artistic freedom, should always prevail in a frame of accuracy, independence, fairness, confidentiality, humanity, accountability and transparency;
Amendment 49 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Considers that large scale disinformation and fake news represents a major challenge for Europe and its citizens; calls on the Commission to consider the creation of a Multilanguage online platform where disinformation and fake news can be reported, analysed and clarified, by involving all relevant actors such as media, institutions and social platforms representatives, as well as end- users;
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Considers that in order to fight against disinformation and fake news, reinstate a climate of trust in the media and counter threats to democratic political processes, a comprehensive strategy is needed, based inter alia on media and information literacy, and aimed at empowering citizens to critically assess media content and recognise the difference between opinion and facts; in this context reminds that, independent and pluralistic media based on freedom of information and expression is a core element of any functioning democracy;
Amendment 50 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Considers that the protection of sources, full editorial support for journalistic research in word and picture, independent editorship and favourable employment contracts or corresponding levels of fees for journalists are prerequisites for balanced, fact-based reporting;
Amendment 51 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Underlines that the increase of hate speech on the Internet is a massive threat for the right of freedom of expression; stresses the need of better cooperation of the authorities with the online platforms to tackle hate speech, without destabilizing the fundamental right of freedom of expression;
Amendment 52 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Considers that any future EU mechanism on democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights must enshrine media freedom, including artistic freedom, as an essential pillar of a democratic system;
Amendment 53 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Recognises the right to artistic freedom and the need to highlight this in the context of the broader framework of fundamental freedoms and freedom of expression; calls on the Commission to include freedom of artistic expression among the specific objectives of Creative Europe 2021-2027;
Amendment 54 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Calls on the European Commission to tackle together with all the stakeholders involved the issue of cyberbullying in order to enable the freedom of speech and ensure the protection of journalists against online attacks;
Amendment 55 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Warns that governments with authoritarian tendencies are undermining freedom of expression, including artistic freedom, under the cover of the fight against disinformation;
Amendment 56 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Considers that the Commission and the Member States have a particular responsibility for alternative media projects and exile media;
Amendment 57 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 c (new) 5c. Considers that state interventions or commercial pressure on published material damage free journalism and democratic debate; takes the view that securing media freedom and assuming editorial responsibility are also important in terms of information on large-scale platforms which publish or broadcast news and programmes directly or via users; recalls that the Audiovisual Media Services Directive drew up useful rules to regulate the elimination of hate speech, the protection of minors and the placing of advertisements. Implementation of and compliance with the Directive should be transparent, subjected to evaluation and further developed to ensure continued media freedom in the long term;
Amendment 58 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 c (new) 5c. Believes that online platforms are part of the online public sphere, where education and public debate take place; calls on the EU to ensure safeguards for platforms to respect fundamental rights and freedom of speech;
Amendment 59 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 c (new) 5c. Reiterates the importance of the creation of a special committee in the European Parliament on the fight against disinformation and fake news;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Considers that in order to fight against disinformation and fake news, reinstate a climate of trust in the media and counter threats to democratic political processes, a comprehensive strategy is needed, based inter alia on media and information literacy, and aimed at empowering citizens to critically assess media content and recognise the difference between opinion and fact; stresses the need to develop a strategy on how to ensure the reliability of news and information during election campaigns; considers the changing of funding models as significant challenge for quality journalism, as the replacement of trained journalists by less expensive freelancers is one of the challenges quality journalism faces today; underlines the role of editorial responsibility and liability of both traditional and new media; calls upon the strict implementation of competition law on the digital market and its application on online platforms;
Amendment 60 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 d (new) 5d. Underlines the importance of fair revenue for independent journalists and media content creators online and calls on the digital platforms to make more efforts in supporting journalism;
Amendment 61 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 5 e (new) 5e. Calls on the European Commission to support journalism and the independence of medias during the COVID-19 crisis;
Amendment 62 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6.
Amendment 63 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6.
Amendment 64 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Highlights that national media, in particular public service media, have an important responsibility to
Amendment 65 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Highlights that national, including regional and local media
Amendment 66 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Highlights that European, national and subnational media, in particular public service media, have an important responsibility to adequately reflect the cultural, linguistic, social and political diversity and to inform citizens extensively about all topics that are relevant to their everyday lives, including EU policies and news.
Amendment 67 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 6. Highlights that national media, in particular public service media, have an important responsibility to adequately reflect the cultural, linguistic, social and political diversity and to inform citizens extensively about all topics that are relevant to their everyday lives, including EU policies and news
Amendment 68 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Opposes regulations empowering censorship as well as laws enabling governments, public authorities and media platforms to decide which information is accurate and which is considered fake news; stresses that media literacy is a competency that empowers citizens, therefore encourages Member States to strengthen media literacy and promote educational initiatives, in order to provide adequate tools and to promote the use of common sense and critical thinking in assessing media content and recognising the difference between accurate information and fake news;
Amendment 69 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Expresses serious concern about the situation in some Member States where media laws allowing for greater political interference have been introduced, resulting in media, public or private, being forced to abandon the principle of impartiality, which is supported by, inter alia, evidence from the Reporters Without Borders 2020 World Press Freedom Index; underlines that free and independent journalism must be guaranteed and safeguarded by proper regulatory frameworks;
Amendment 7 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Considers that in order to fight against disinformation and fake news, reinstate a climate of trust in the media and counter threats to democratic political processes, a comprehensive strategy is needed, based inter alia on media, internet and information literacy, and aimed at empowering citizens to critically assess media content and recognise the difference between opinion and fact;
Amendment 70 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Calls on the Member States to introduce effective measures ensuring better protection of the personal safety of journalists and particularly of the investigative journalists; calls on the Commission and the Member States to present legislative or non-legislative proposals to protect journalist resources including whistle-blowers;
Amendment 71 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Recalls the 2018 Council conclusions on the strengthening of European content in the digital economy, which recognize the relevance of content generated by the media "as well as other cultural and creative sectors", as being "essential pillars of Europe's social and economic development";
Amendment 72 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Stresses that journalists and media organisations have a responsibility to shape opinion and public discourse as well as to provide independent and balanced content and that they should commit to the pursuit of evidence-based journalism; calls for media independence and transparency, and urges the Member States to abstain from censorship and involvement in editorial decisions;
Amendment 73 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 c (new) 6c. Stresses that public media has a duty to provide pluralism, to inform the public while reflecting cultural and political diversity; stresses that Member States need to guarantee the independence of public media from censorship and political pressure, and to prevent it from being used as a tool for propaganda and indoctrination;
Amendment 74 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 d (new) 6d. Stresses that traditional media face challenges due to digitalisation in an evolving media landscape; calls on Member States to provide support to traditional media, ensuring they carry out their educational and cultural roles;
Amendment 75 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 e (new) Amendment 76 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 f (new) 6f. Stresses that whistleblowing is an essential part of investigative journalism; notes that journalists, when acting in the public interest, need to be subject to legal protection rather than legal prosecution; stresses that intimidating acts of aggression against journalists endangers freedom of expression; emphasises the particular importance of the protection of sources; calls on Member States to ensure that their legal frameworks and law- enforcement practices provide support, protection and assistance to journalists and media professionals;
Amendment 77 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 6 g (new) 6g. Calls on Member States and media organisations to guarantee that journalists can carry out their work to the highest standards by ensuring just and fair remunerations and good working conditions with continuous quality training for media professionals, both contractual and freelance;
Amendment 8 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Stresses that media freedom has been acutely deteriorating across Europe over the past decade, facing challenges highlighted by court cases, official enquiries, reports by the European institutions and non-governmental organisations; while the decline can be attributed to a range of legal, political and economic factors, the European institutions must respect and protect the fundamental rights of media freedom and pluralism as the essential pillar of democracy enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;
Amendment 9 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 a (new) source: 650.615
2020/07/07
LIBE
289 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 — having regard to the work carried out by the Council of Europe to promote the protection and safety of journalists, including Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)1[1] of the Committee of Ministers to member states on media pluralism and transparency of media ownership and the declaration by the Committee of Ministers on the financial sustainability of quality journalism in the digital age, recommendation CM/Rec(2016)4[1] of the Committee of Ministers to member States on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors, and its 2020 annual report entitled ‘hands off press freedom’1a _________________ 1a https://rm.coe.int/annual-report-en- final-23-april-2020/16809e39dd
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 g (new) — having regard to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the commitments there into, inter alia, promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, including by ensuring public access to information and protecting fundamental freedoms,
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J J. whereas disinformation related to COVID-19 may cause panic and social unrest and needs to be addressed; whereas measures to combat disinformation cannot be used as a pretext for introducing disproportionate restrictions on press freedom; whereas reports indicate that coordinated campaigns have been running across EU Member States and neighbouring regions, promoting false health information and disinformation about the EU and its partners; whereas the Commission addresses these phenomena in its recent joint communication on tackling COVID-19 disinformation;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J J. whereas disinformation related to COVID-19 may cause panic and social unrest and needs to be addressed; whereas measures to combat disinformation cannot be used as a pretext for introducing disproportionate restrictions on press freedom; whereas some governments have taken advantage of emergency legislation to do so and while some of the restrictions will be temporary, others risk being extended long after the health crisis is over;
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J J. whereas disinformation related to COVID-19 may cause panic and social unrest and needs to be addressed; whereas measures to combat disinformation cannot be used as a pretext for introducing disproportionate restrictions on press freedom; whereas pluralism of information sources, accountability and institutional transparency are a primary defensive barrier against disinformation
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J J. whereas disinformation related to COVID-19 may have dangerous consequences on public health, cause panic and social unrest and needs to be addressed; whereas measures to combat disinformation cannot be used as a pretext for introducing disproportionate restrictions on press freedom;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J J. whereas disinformation related to COVID-19 may cause panic and social unrest and needs to be addressed; whereas measures to combat disinformation cannot be used as a pretext for introducing disproportionate restrictions on press freedom, media pluralism and safety of journalists;
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J J. whereas disinformation and misinformation related to COVID-19
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J J. whereas disinformation related to COVID-19 may cause panic and social
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J a (new) Aa. whereas disinformation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic could have serious consequences, possibly leading to disregard for official health advice and risk taking or having an adverse impact on our institutions and societies and in economic and financial terms;
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Recital J a (new) Ja. whereas genuinely independent, adequately funded public-service media operating across various platforms are key to functioning democracy in the EU
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Reiterates its continued deep concern about the state of media freedom within the EU in the context of the abuses and attacks still being perpetrated against journalists and media workers in the Member States because of their activities, as well as the growing public denigration and general weakening of the profession, weighing particularly heavily on local, investigative and cross-border journalism; stresses that, in accordance with the Council of Europe Recommendation on media pluralism (2018), Member States have a positive obligation to foster a favourable environment for freedom of expression, offline and online, in which everyone can exercise their right to freedom of expression;
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 h (new) — having regard to the Commission communication of 10 June 2020 on ‘tackling COVID-19 disinformation - Getting the facts right’,
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Reiterates its continued deep concern about the state of media freedom within the EU in the context of the abuses and attacks still being perpetrated against journalists and media workers in
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Reiterates its continued deep concern about the state of media freedom within the EU in the context of the abuses and attacks still being perpetrated against journalists and media workers in the Member States because of their
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Stresses that freedom of the press is extremely important and must not be affected by any measures or by any authority, even if the information provided does not always reflect the official version of the truth, and that no decision can therefore be taken to close down a publication or website;
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Deplores that journalists and media workers often work in precarious conditions with regard to their contracts, salaries and social guarantees, which compromises their ability to work appropriately and thus hampers media freedom;
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Is deeply shattered by the murders of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta and Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in Slovakia due to their investigative work
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Is deeply shattered by the murders of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta and Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in Slovakia due to their investigative work unveiling corruption, and reiterates the importance of an independent investigation to bring to justice the perpetrators of and masterminds behind these crimes;
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Is deeply shattered by the murders of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta and Ján Kuciak and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová in Slovakia
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Underlines the crucial role that investigative journalists play in holding power to account and performing their functions as watchdogs for democracy and the rule of law and highlights that whistle-blowing is an essential element for investigative journalism and freedom of press; deplores that journalists and whistle-blowers have been subject to legal prosecution instead of legal protection when, acting in the public interest, they disclose information or report suspected misconduct, wrongdoing, fraud or illegal activity;
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Underlines the crucial role that investigative journalists play in holding power to account and performing their functions as watchdogs for democracy and the rule of law and highlights that whistle-blowing is an essential element for investigative journalism and freedom of press; deplores that journalists and whistle-blowers have been subject to legal prosecution instead of legal protection when, acting in the public interest, they disclose information or report suspected misconduct, wrongdoing, fraud or illegal activity;
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 6 a (new) — having regard to the Commission Communication of 20 June 2020 entitled "Tackling COVID-19 disinformation - Getting the facts right";
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Calls on the Commission to initiate and support supranational programmes to organise platforms for investigative journalism, given its important service for democracy, while also supporting organisations that work on “credibility indices” to create a database of trustworthy sources with adequate allocation of resources; 1a _________________ 1aPolicy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs. Disinformation and propaganda – impact on the functioning of the rule of law in the EU and its Member States, p. 144. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ etudes/STUD/2019/608864/IPOL_STU(20 19)608864_EN.pdf
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to treat attempts by Member State governments to damage media freedom and pluralism as constituting a serious and systematic abuse of powers and as going against the fundamental values of the EU as enshrined in Article 2 TEU; welcomes, therefore, the Commission’s intention to include a specific chapter on monitoring media freedom and pluralism in its Annual Report on the Situation of the Rule of Law within the EU; suggests that ,in relation to this specific chapter, a bottom-up approach reflecting individuals' voices and diversity would ensure that the challenges faced by journalists and the media sector are effectively captured; further calls for the inclusion of country-specific recommendations and effective responses as well as an assessment of the transparency of ownership and government interference in the EU member states, to be included in this chapter; urges the Commission to take into account the impact of the emergency measures taken in 2020 in the context of COVID-19 on press freedom, media pluralism and safety of journalists; in this context, recalls Parliament’s repeated call for a permanent, independent and comprehensive mechanism covering democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in the EU;
Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to treat attempts by Member State governments to damage media freedom and pluralism as constituting a serious and systematic abuse of powers and as going against the fundamental values of the EU as enshrined in Article 2 TEU; welcomes, therefore, the Commission’s intention to include a specific chapter on monitoring media freedom and pluralism in its Annual Report on the Situation of the Rule of Law within the EU; urges the Commission to take into account the impact of the emergency measures taken in 2020 in the context of COVID-19 on press freedom, media pluralism and safety of journalists; in this context, recalls Parliament’s repeated call for a permanent, independent and comprehensive mechanism covering democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in the EU; urges the Commission and Member States to develop and maintain credible framework of protections of media freedom and media pluralism; highlights the need of a fully-fledged EU mechanism on media freedom, beyond the framework of the new Rule of Law mechanism, which should introduce clear standards and benchmarks at EU level as well as incentives for higher convergence between the individual Member States, including through legislation, if necessary.
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to treat attempts by Member State governments to damage media freedom and pluralism as constituting a serious and systematic abuse of powers and as going against the fundamental values of the EU as enshrined in Article 2 TEU; welcomes, therefore, the Commission’s intention to include a specific chapter on monitoring media freedom and pluralism in its Annual Report on the Situation of the Rule of Law within the EU; urges the Commission to take into account the impact of the emergency measures taken in 2020 in the context of COVID-19 on press freedom, media pluralism and safety of journalists;
Amendment 124 #
3. Strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to treat attempts by Member State governments to damage media freedom and pluralism as constituting a serious and systematic abuse of powers and as going against the fundamental values of the EU as enshrined in Article 2 TEU; welcomes, therefore, the Commission’s intention to include a specific chapter on monitoring media freedom and pluralism in its Annual Report on the Situation of the Rule of Law within the EU; encourages the Commission to actively cooperate with the Council of Europe, exchanging best practices and making sure that measures undertaken are complementary; urges the Commission to take into account the impact of the emergency measures taken in 2020 in the context of COVID-19 on press freedom, media pluralism and safety of journalists; in this context, recalls Parliament’s repeated call for a permanent, independent and comprehensive mechanism covering democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in the EU;
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to treat attempts by Member State governments to damage media freedom and pluralism as constituting a serious and systematic abuse of powers and as going against the fundamental values of the EU as enshrined in Article 2 TEU;
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to treat attempts by Member State governments to damage media freedom and pluralism as constituting a serious and systematic abuse of powers and as going against the fundamental values of the EU as enshrined in Article 2 TEU; welcomes, therefore, the Commission’s intention to include a specific chapter on monitoring media freedom and pluralism in its Annual Report on the Situation of the Rule of Law within the EU; urges the Commission to take into account the impact of the emergency measures taken in 2020 in the context of COVID-19 on press freedom, media pluralism and safety of journalists, including an overview of the attacks against journalists across the EU and the responses provided by Member States in this regard; in this context, recalls Parliament’s repeated call for a permanent, independent and comprehensive mechanism covering democracy, the rule
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to treat attempts by Member State governments to damage media freedom and pluralism as constituting a serious and systematic abuse of powers and as going against the fundamental values of the EU as enshrined in Article 2 TEU; welcomes, therefore, the Commission’s intention to include a specific chapter on monitoring media freedom and pluralism in its Annual Report on the Situation of the Rule of Law within the EU; urges the Commission to take into account the impact of the emergency measures taken in 2020 in the context of COVID-19 on press freedom, media pluralism and safety of journalists;
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to treat attempts by Member State governments to damage media freedom and pluralism as constituting a serious and systematic abuse of powers and as going against the fundamental values of the EU as enshrined in Article 2 TEU; welcomes, therefore, the Commission’s intention to include a specific chapter on monitoring media freedom and pluralism in its Annual Report on the Situation of the Rule of Law within the EU; urges the Commission to take into account the impact of the emergency measures taken in 2020 in the context of COVID-19 on press freedom, institutional transparency, accountability, media pluralism and safety of journalists; in this context, recalls Parliament’s repeated call for a permanent, independent and comprehensive mechanism covering democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in the EU;
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to treat attempts by some Member State governments to damage media freedom and pluralism as constituting a serious and systematic abuse of powers and as going against the fundamental values of the EU as enshrined in Article 2 TEU; welcomes, therefore, the Commission’s
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 7 a (new) — having regard to the Joint Communication of 10 June 2020 entitled 'Tackling COVID-19 disinformation - Getting the facts right' (JOIN(2020) 8),
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Reiterates the need for a comprehensive annual monitoring of the state of press freedom in each Member State which could be built on the Media Pluralism Monitor and should include concrete country by country recommendations to lower risks to media freedom, as well as specific analysis of areas in which the EU could act; asks the Commission for continued monitoring of the protection mechanisms for journalists in the Member States and make country specific recommendations;
Amendment 131 #
3b. Calls on the Member States to create and maintain, in law and in practice, a safe and secure environment for journalists and other media actors, including foreign journalists pursuing their journalistic activities in the Member States, enabling them to carry out their work in full independence and without undue interference;
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 c (new) 3c. Calls on the Commission to set up a EU hotline as a rapid-response mechanism for journalists requesting protection; calls on the EU institutions to have a contact point in order to follow the cases of journalists requesting protection and to ensure that adequate attention is paid to their situation;
Amendment 133 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; highlights as well the need to ensure the financial independence and the conditions for the sustainability of the activities of private market operators to avoid media capture; reiterates in this context Parliament’s call for an ambitious EU media action plan; condemns attempts by Member State governments to silence critical media and undermine media freedom and pluralism, in particular attempts to control public service media; deplores the fact that in some Member States public broadcasting has become an example of single political party propaganda, which often excludes opposition and minority groups from society and even incites violence; draws attention to the recommendations included in the Resolution 2255 (2019) of PACE that calls on the Member States to guarantee editorial independence, as well as sufficient and stable funding, for public service media; stresses that safeguarding independent authorities and ensuring strong independent oversight of
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media
Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; condemns attempts by Member State governments to silence critical media and undermine media freedom and pluralism, in particular attempts to control public service media; deplores the fact that in
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; condemns attempts by some Member State governments to silence critical media and undermine media freedom and pluralism, in particular attempts to control public service media;
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; condemns attempts by Member State governments to silence critical media and undermine media freedom and pluralism, in particular attempts to control public service media; deplores the fact that in some Member States, in particular in Hungary and Poland, public broadcasting has become an example of single political party propaganda, which often
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; condemns attempts by Member State governments to silence critical media and undermine media freedom and pluralism, in particular attempts to control public service media; deplores the fact that in some Member States public broadcasting has become an example of single political party propaganda, which often excludes opposition and minority groups from society and even incites violence; stresses that minority language press, in particular in third country languages, is crucial for media pluralism as well to guarantee dissemination of accurate information to vulnerable groups; stresses that safeguarding independent authorities and ensuring strong independent oversight of audiovisual media against undue state and commercial intervention is crucial;
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 10 a (new) — having regard to the Commission’s Code of Practice to fight online disinformation, agreed on 26 September 2018,
Amendment 140 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; highlights that in some Member States the mainstream media only conveys a subjective leftist narrative; condemns attempts by Member State governments to silence critical media and undermine media freedom and pluralism, in particular attempts to control public service media; deplores the fact that in some Member States public broadcasting has become an example of single political
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; condemns attempts by Member State governments to silence critical media and undermine media freedom and pluralism; warns of the attempts to indirectly subdue them by means of financial patronage, and condemns, in particular, attempts to control public service media; deplores the fact that in some Member States public broadcasting has become an example of single political party propaganda, which often excludes opposition and minority groups from society and even incites violence; stresses that safeguarding independent authorities and ensuring strong independent oversight of audiovisual media against undue state and commercial intervention is crucial;
Amendment 142 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Highlights the irreplaceable role of public service media and stresses that it is essential to ensure and maintain their independence from political interference; condemns attempts by Member State governments to silence critical media and undermine media freedom and pluralism, in particular attempts to control public service media; deplores the fact that in some Member States public broadcasting has become an example of single political party propaganda, which often excludes opposition and minority groups from society and even incites violence; stresses that safeguarding independent authorities and ensuring strong independent oversight of audiovisual media against undue state and commercial intervention or attempts at influencing editorial policies is crucial;
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Emphasises the importance of regular checks for media freedom and pluralism in Member States and application of existing instruments against illegal state aid or ownership concentration in the media sector in EU member states, including through the adoption and enforcement of rules protecting independent media, freedom of expression and the right to access to information and the promotion of self- regulatory initiatives and mechanisms, subject to external scrutiny and impact assessments 3a in order to create an environment conducive to an independent and pluralistic media landscape; _________________ 3aPolicy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs. Disinformation and propaganda – impact on the functioning of the rule of law in the EU and its Member States, p. 147.
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Points to the final recommendations of the CRIM special committee set out in its resolution of 23 October 2013 on organised crime, corruption and money laundering, according to which defamation and libel laws dissuade possible reporting of corruption; reiterates the call it issued to all the Member States to de-penalise defamation and libel laws in their legal systems, at least for cases involving allegations of organised crime, corruption and money laundering in Member States and abroad;
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Encourages Member States to adopt effective and clear legislation that ensures the transparency of media ownership and to pay particular attention to the funding, transparency and objectives of mainstream media outlets; to encourage social media platforms to promote a level playing field for all political, philosophical and religious beliefs in accordance with the right to freedom of expression; to condemn the practise by social media platforms of demoting, banning or demonetising social media users on the sole basis of expressing their opinion;
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Denounces the lack of balanced political debate in media outlets in certain Member States and that politically motivated restrictions of information exist in practice, such as rejecting data consultation of public interest, the ban of journalists from premises of public venues including parliaments, restricting journalists’ opportunities for questions from politicians and members of the government and avoiding interviews to media outlets not in the government friendly conglomerate even with significant national outreach;
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to promote programs and policies aimed at fostering media and news literacy for journalists, media actors and the general public, and at developing a critical and conscious appreciation of the use of ICT such as, for instance, awareness raising campaigns concerning the rights and possible risks in the digital sphere;
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Stresses that public authorities must ensure transparency regarding their activities, thereby helping to bolster public confidence, bearing in mind that, the free flow of information helps to protect life and health and facilitates and promotes social, economic and political debate and decision making;
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Calls on the Commission to monitor and collect information and statistics on media freedom and pluralism within all Member States, and to analyse closely cases of the infringement of the fundamental rights of journalists;
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 11 a (new) — having regard to Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia by means of criminal law1a, _________________ 1a OJ L 328, 6.12.2008, p. 55.
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Expresses deep concerns toward the growing number of media outlets wrongfully shut down by algorithms on platforms and social medias;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 b (new) Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Calls on Member States to ensure that journalists and media outlets have meaningful access to parliamentary debates, to the members of parliaments and high ranking government officials, to data of public interest as well as to public events and press conferences, especially those of governments, as the lack of such access seriously restricts the notion of freedom of media;
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Questions whether it is correct to delegate to the web giants the role of censors of the opinions of their users, on the basis of "community standards" defined in an opaque and unilateral way beyond national and international regulatory frameworks;
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 c (new) 4c. Highlights the lack of obligatory content analysis of media outlets in certain Member States, such as in Hungary, which would provide comparable public data regarding the balanced appearances of pro-government and oppositional voices on TV and radio, especially in election campaigns;
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates its concern that few specific legal or policy frameworks protecting journalists and media workers from violence, threats and intimidation can be identified at national level within the EU; calls on public figures and representatives of the authorities to refrain from denigrating journalists as this undermines trust in the media across society; underlines the important role of journalists in reporting on protests and demonstrations and calls for their protection from both the protesters and law enforcement in order that they can carry out their role without fear; asks Member `states to provide specific training programmes for law enforcement who are responsible for fulfilling state obligations of the protection of journalists, calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure the effective protection and safety of journalists and
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates its concern that few specific legal or policy frameworks protecting journalists and media workers from violence, threats and intimidation can be identified at national level within the EU; calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure the effective protection and safety of journalists and other media actors as well as of their
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates its concern that few specific legal or policy frameworks protecting journalists and media workers from violence, threats and intimidation can be identified at national level within the EU; calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure the effective protection and safety of journalists and other media actors as well as of their sources, including in a cross-border context; firmly believes, in this regard, that Member States should prohibit the use of private investigators for the purpose of obtaining information about journalists in their professional capacity or about their sources; strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to present proposals to prevent so-called ‘Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation’ (SLAPP);
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates its concern that few specific legal or policy frameworks protecting journalists and media workers from violence, threats and intimidation can be identified at national level within the EU; calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure the effective protection and safety of journalists and other media actors as well as of their sources, including in a cross-border context; reiterates its call to Member States to take a gender-sensitive approach when considering measures to address the safety of journalists; strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to present proposals to prevent so-called ‘Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation’ (SLAPP);
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates its concern that few specific legal or policy frameworks protecting journalists and media workers from violence, threats and intimidation can be identified at national level within the EU; calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure the effective
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 11 a (new) — having regard to the Commission’s EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2024,
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates its concern that few specific legal or policy frameworks protecting journalists and media workers from violence, threats and intimidation can be identified at national level within the EU; calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure the effective protection and safety of journalists and other media actors as well as of their sources, including in a cross-border context; strongly reiterates its call on the Commission to present a legislative proposal
Amendment 161 #
5. Reiterates its concern
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Is deeply concerned about the increasing political attacks on the media and deplores the lack of protection of journalistic sources; recalls Member States’ obligation to carry out prompt, impartial and effective investigations into attacks perpetrated against journalists and urges to step up efforts to end threats and attacks against journalists and media workers, to ensure accountability, and to guarantee that victims and their families have access to the appropriate legal remedies; calls on the Commission and the Member States to ensure that reporting mechanisms are accessible, safe and secure, and that the claims of investigative journalists and whistle- blowers are professionally investigated; calls on the implementation of the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, which highlight that the EU will take all appropriate steps to ensure the protection of journalists, both in terms of preventive measures and by urging effective investigations when violations occur;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Further calls for a comprehensive legislative framework and rules enabling online and offline safe environment for journalists and other media actors, including preventive measures, provisions for criminalising specific and serious attacks against journalists such as arbitrary arrests, torture threats to one’s life and effective redress mechanisms for victims and their families; also calls for the establishment of effective, independent and impartial investigations into threats, killings, attacks, harassment, intimidation and ill-treatment of journalists and media workers;
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Underlines the importance of ensuring adequate working conditions for journalists and media workers, in full compliance with the requirements of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Social Charter; asks the Commission and the Member States, therefore, to promote and elaborate new socially sustainable economic models aimed at financing and supporting quality and independent journalism; asks the Member States to strengthen financial support to public service providers and investigative journalism while refraining from involvement in editorial decisions;
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Denounces the increase in legal threats and judicial harassment against journalists and media workers across Europe; condemns the use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation actions to silence investigative journalists and outlets and exert pressure on media freedom; urges the Commission to propose legislation to stop lawsuits aimed at censoring and intimidating the critics;
Amendment 166 #
5a. Stresses that decent working conditions for journalists are crucial in fostering quality journalism; calls on the Member States and the Commission to ensure the right to fair remuneration and the right to collective bargaining are guaranteed for journalists;
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Reaffirms that anonymity and encryption are essential tools for the exercise of democratic rights and freedoms, and for protecting the confidentiality of sources in journalism
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 b (new) Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Expresses deep concerns about the raise in attacks against female journalists and media workers, and underlines the importance of taking a gender-sensitive approach when considering measures to address the safety of journalists and media workers; reiterates its call to Member States to take a gender-sensitive approach when considering measures to address the safety of journalists;
Amendment 17 #
— having regard to Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law1d, _________________ 1d OJ L 305, 26.11.2019, p. 17.
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Highlights that good governance and ethical standards in journalism are necessary to ensure quality, transparency and integrity of content; calls on the Commission to propose an EU wide Code of Conduct for Journalistic Ethics as well as exchanges of best practices between Media and Press Councils and journalists of Member States;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Calls on the Commission to promote common policies intended to bridge the digital divide within and among the Member States along all its lines (wealth, gender, age, geographical and social conditions);
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 c (new) 5c. Underlines that media have a powerful role to play in promoting gender equality and anti-discrimination; is concerned that women and other discriminated groups remain invisible in news content, or often depicted in stereotypical ways; recalls that in the media sector, women are increasingly impacted by structural barriers;
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 d (new) 5d. Underlines that the lack of gender equality in managerial and content creation roles in European media organisations represents a risk for media pluralism; urges the Commission and the Member States to take active steps to promote gender equality in the media sector, so that also more women can be in creative or decision-making positions which would enable the media to contribute to the reduction of gender stereotypes;
Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Stresses that excessive concentration of the content-producing and content-distributing sectors may threaten citizens’ access to a range of content; underlines that media pluralism, which depends on the existence of a diversity of media ownership and of content as well as independent journalism, is key to challenging the spread of disinformation
Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6.
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Stresses that excessive concentration of the content-producing and content-distributing sectors may threaten citizens’ access to a range of content; underlines that media pluralism, which depends on the existence of a diversity of media ownership and of content as well as independent journalism, is key to challenging the spread of disinformation and ensuring that EU citizens are well- informed; reminds that according to the Media Pluralism Monitor conclusions the media ownership concentration remains one of the most significant risks to media pluralism and is seen as creating barriers to the diversity of information; calls on the Commission to monitor the implementation at Member States level of existing EU instruments against ownership concentration and illegal state aid to increase diversity in the media landscape;
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Stresses that excessive concentration of ownership in the content- producing and content-distributing sectors may threaten citizens’ access to a range of content; underlines that media pluralism
Amendment 178 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Emphasises that freedom of the press requires independence from political and economic power, which implies equal treatment regardless of editorial orientation; reiterates the importance of preserving journalism that benefits from mechanisms which prevent the concentration of single, monopolistic or quasi-monopolistic groups, ensuring free competition and editorial diversity; calls on the Member States to adopt and implement media ownership regulatory frameworks in order to avoid horizontal concentration of ownership in the media sector and indirect and cross-media ownership, and to guarantee transparency, disclosure, and easy accessibility for citizens to information on media ownership, funding sources and management; underlines the importance of applying appropriate restrictions on media ownership by persons holding public office and of ensuring independent oversight and effective compliance mechanisms in order to prevent conflicts of interest and revolving doors; considers it essential to have independent and impartial national authorities to ensure the effective supervision of the audiovisual media sector;
Amendment 179 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Expresses concern over the disinformation campaigns and uncontrolled spread of fake news in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the main targets of which have been the governments of several EU countries, including Italy; takes the view that these disinformation campaigns seek to undermine the democratic process and citizens' trust in the democratic institutions of the Member States; regrets, in this regard, the failure to conduct a coordinated communication campaign at EU level in order properly to inform EU citizens of the risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for action by the governments of the Member States to contain the spread of the pandemic;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 12 — having regard to Directive 2010/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive or AVMSD)1 and Directive (EU) 2018/1808 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 November 2018 amending Directive 2010/13/EU1a, _________________ 1 OJ L 95, 15.4.2010, p. 1. 1a OJ L 303, 28.11.2018, p. 69.
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Strongly condemns that certain governments, such as the Hungarian government, limit media pluralism and allow for a large concentration of government friendly media ownership by exempting certain acquisitions from competition review through government order declaring such transaction as a matter of national strategic importance; underlines that such media conglomerates receive substantial public funding, including from EU funding through public advertising in an unbalanced manner lacking full transparency;
Amendment 181 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Underlines the importance of ensuring the transparency of funding sources and of media ownership structures; calls on the Commission to strengthen efforts to ensure that the media proactively publish information about their ownership structures, including their beneficial owners, and that clear rules are put in place to also prevent potential conflicts of interests arising in media ownership structures, with a special emphasis on avoiding political interference;
Amendment 182 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Suggests that the absence of a uniform definition of journalism, encompassing media pluralism, makes addressing the issues relating to media freedom more difficult, especially with nowadays-new digital environment and the increasing threats to freedom of expression;
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Condemns governments' excessive interference on media pluralism through public advertising, in particular in Hungary; underlines that such practices have serious market distortion effects and thus are violating EU rules on competition; calls on the Commission to uphold EU state aid and competition regulations with regards to media financing and public advertising and monitor the effects of such malpractices on media freedom;
Amendment 184 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 c (new) 6c. Calls on the Commission to closely monitor the use of EU funds allocated to support the free and independent media in order to channel the resources to those in need; emphasises in this respect that EU money cannot be spent on state controlled media and media that distribute political propaganda;
Amendment 185 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 d (new) 6d. Calls for an EU level and transparent mechanism to periodically monitor the independence of national media regulatory bodies; deplores that in certain Member States, in particular in Hungary, the media regulatory bodies have come under the influence of the government and operates in a biased manner towards media outlets that are critical of the government, especially in tendering and license-renewal processes;
Amendment 186 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Is concerned about attempts to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to punish independent and critical media and introduce restrictions on the media’s access to and scrutiny of government decisions and actions, hampering proper and informed debate on those actions; stresses the role of journalism and the free flow of information as essential to the EU’s efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic; points out that journalism plays a crucial function at a moment of public health emergency, and that as media freedom is curtailed, similar tactics are deployed to restrict other freedoms of expression used by other actors to legitimately scrutinise government decisions and actions, notably artists;
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Is concerned about attempts to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to punish independent and critical media and introduce restrictions on the media’s access to and scrutiny of government decisions and actions, hampering proper and informed debate on those actions; stresses the role of journalism and the free flow of information as essential to the EU’s efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic; points out that journalism plays a crucial function at a moment of public health emergency; calls on the Commission to comprehensively monitor such practices by national governments and to include the results in its upcoming Annual Report on the Rule of Law;
Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Is concerned about attempts to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to punish independent and critical media and introduce restrictions on the media’s access to and scrutiny of government decisions and actions, supressing or mitigating institutional transparency mechanisms by adopting exceptional measures and hampering proper and informed debate on those actions; stresses the role of journalism and the free flow of information as essential to the EU’s efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic; points out that journalism plays a crucial function at a moment of public health emergency;
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 12 a (new) — having regard to the report of the United Nations Special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression of 23 April 2020 titled 'Disease pandemics and the freedom of opinion and expression'1a, _________________ 1a A/HRC/44/49
Amendment 190 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently introduce EU and national emergency recovery packages to protect the jobs and livelihoods of media workers, support companies and fund public service media through the COVID- 19 crisis; highlights that during the COVID-19 crisis certain media outlets and local media platforms in particular, have lost as much as 80% of their revenues due to the decrease in advertising; stresses that in the face of the pandemic European citizens need professional, economically secure and independent journalists; reiterates in this context its call for the creation of a permanent European fund for journalists in the framework of the next MFF (2021- 2027), as redrafted following the COVID- 19 crisis, offering direct financial support for projects submitted by independent journalists and media outlets, freelancers and self-employed media workers
Amendment 191 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently introduce EU and national emergency recovery packages to protect the jobs and livelihoods of media workers, support companies and fund public service media through the COVID- 19 crisis; stresses that in the face of the pandemic European citizens need professional, economically secure and independent journalists;
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently introduce EU and national emergency recovery packages to protect the jobs and livelihoods of media workers, support companies and fund public service media through the COVID- 19 crisis fully respecting EU competition rules; reiterates that support should be provided only for those public and commercial media outlets that are truly independent and free from government or any other political interference; stresses that in the face of the pandemic European citizens need professional, economically secure and independent journalists; reiterates in this context its call for the creation of a permanent European fund for journalists in the framework of the next MFF (2021-
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently introduce EU and national emergency recovery packages
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently introduce EU and national emergency recovery packages to protect the jobs and livelihoods of media workers, support companies and fund public service media through the COVID- 19 crisis; stresses that in the face of the pandemic European citizens need professional, economically secure and independent journalists; reiterates in this context its call for the creation of a permanent European fund for journalists in the framework of the next MFF (2021-
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently introduce EU and national emergency recovery packages to protect the jobs and livelihoods of media workers, support companies and fund public service media through the COVID- 19
Amendment 196 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to urgently introduce EU and national emergency recovery packages to protect the jobs and livelihoods of media workers, support companies and fund public service media through the COVID- 19 crisis; stresses that in the face of the pandemic European citizens need professional, economically secure and independent journalists; reiterates in this context its call for the creation of a permanent European fund for journalists in the framework of the next MFF (2021- 2027), as redrafted following the COVID- 19 crisis, offering direct financial support for independent journalists and media outlets, freelancers and self-employed media workers, and to be managed by independent organisations;
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Notes with concern that the envisaged budgetary envelope for the Creative Europe programme under the revised MFF/ recovery proposals of 27 May 2020 brings a 100 million Euros decrease in allocations, compared to the initial Commission proposal of 2018, and now amounts to 1.3 billion Euros less than the allocations initially proposed by the European Parliament; furthermore, notes with regret that funding available under the Justice, Rights and Values programme has also been decreased by 100 million Euros within the revised Commission budget proposal and now stands at 1.2 billion Euros less than the figures proposed by the European Parliament; urges the Commission to revise these figures and present new proposals, in line with the position adopted by the European Parliament;
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Stresses that press freedom should be a priority for the European Commission and that a coherent EU Media Freedom and Independence Strategy should be established; recalls the urgent need to have permanent budget lines and financial support for investigative journalism and urges the Commission to step up efforts to move forward in this direction;
Amendment 199 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Strongly welcomes the allocation of EU funds to start projects, such as the Europe-wide rapid response mechanism for violations of press and media freedom and a cross-border investigative journalism fund in order to strengthen media freedom and pluralism;
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 — having regard to the work carried out by the Council of Europe to promote the protection and safety of journalists, including Recommendation CM/Rec(2018)1[1] of the Committee of
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 13 a (new) — having regard to the Council conclusions of 26 May 2020 on media literacy in an ever-changing world,
Amendment 200 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Calls for an ambitious MFF with increased budget allocations to support media and independent journalism; stresses the importance of innovation in journalism and news media which could be fostered through EU funding
Amendment 201 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 b (new) Amendment 202 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 b (new) 8b. Stresses that public-service media role as trusted providers of public good and serving general public interest would be improved by appropriate and sustainable funding, free of political interference in the Member States
Amendment 203 #
Motion for a resolution Subheading 2 Hate speech, and calls on the Commission to introduce a ban on personalised advertising
Amendment 204 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Condemns all types of incidents of hate crime and hate speech that occur regularly within the EU; expresses particular concern over hate crimes and crimes relating to incitement to discrimination or violence which have become widespread during the global COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the stigmatisation of some particularly vulnerable individuals;
Amendment 205 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Condemns all types of incidents of hate crime and hate speech both offline and online motivated by racism, xenophobia or religious intolerance, or by bias against a person’s disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex characteristics or minority status that occur regularly within the EU;
Amendment 206 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Condemns all types of incidents of hate crime and hate speech both offline and online, that occur regularly within the EU and recalls that racist and xenophobic speech are not covered by the freedom of expression;;
Amendment 207 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Condemns all types of incidents of hate crime
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Condemns all types of incidents of hate crime and hate speech that occur
Amendment 209 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 14 a (new) — having regard to the outcomes of the World Press Freedom Index, published by Reporters Without Borders, and to those of the Media Pluralism Monitor of the European University Institute’s Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom,
Amendment 210 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10.
Amendment 211 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Calls, further, on the Member States, within the limits set by law, to guarantee and encourage freedom of expression, which is essential to vigorous democratic debate.
Amendment 212 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Reiterates its call on the Member States to take further measures to prevent, condemn and counter hate speech and hate crime, so as to fight organisations that spread hate speech and violence in public spaces and online also though ensuring that law enforcement applies effective hate crime recording practices based on the principles endorsed by the EU High Level Group on combating racism, xenophobia and other forms of intolerance;
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Reiterates its call on the Member States to take further measures to prevent, condemn and counter hate speech and hate
Amendment 214 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Reiterates its call on the Member States to take further measures to prevent, condemn and counter hate speech and hate crime
Amendment 215 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Reiterates its call on the Member States to take further measures to prevent, condemn and counter hate speech and hate crime, so as to fight organisations that spread hate speech
Amendment 216 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Reiterates its call on the Member States to
Amendment 217 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Reiterates its call on the Member States to take further measures to prevent, condemn and counter hate speech and hate crime, so as to
Amendment 218 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. points out that the framework of administrative rules should be reinforced to tackle hates speech and discrimination; reiterates to that end, its call to unblock negotiations on the horizontal anti- discrimination directive;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 16 Amendment 220 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Reiterates its call on the Commission to address the emerging forms of gender-based violence such as cyberstalking and online harassment;
Amendment 221 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 b (new) 11b. Reiterates its call on the Commission and on the Council to activate the ‘passerelle clause’ enshrined in Article 83(1) of the TFEU in order to include violence against women and girls and other forms of gender-based violence (including cyber violence) in the catalogue of EU-recognised crimes;
Amendment 222 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Takes note of the Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online, promoted by the Commission, and of its fourth evaluation round
Amendment 223 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Takes note of the Code of Conduct on Countering Illegal Hate Speech Online, promoted by the Commission, and of its f
Amendment 224 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Points out that Member States must ensure, by all appropriate means, that the media, including online and social media, as well as advertising, are free from all incitement to violence or hatred directed against any person or group of persons;
Amendment 225 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Points out that Member States must ensure, by all appropriate means, that the media, including online and social media, as well as advertising, are free from all incitement to violence or hatred directed against any person or group of persons and that this can have a direct effect on the participation in civil society of these individuals; points out that xenophobia is the most commonly reported ground of hate speech; reiterates its call on the Commission, the Member States and social media companies to counteract the spread of racism, xenophobia and LGBTI-phobia on the internet, in cooperation with the relevant civil society organisations;
Amendment 226 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Points out that Member States must ensure, by all appropriate means, that the media, including online and social media, as well as advertising, are free from all incitement to violence or hatred directed against any person or group of persons; points out that xenophobia
Amendment 227 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Points out that Member States must ensure, by all appropriate means, that the media, including online and social media, as well as advertising, are free from all incitement to violence or hatred directed against any person or group of persons; points out that xenophobia is the most commonly reported ground of hate speech; reiterates its call on the Commission, the Member States and social media companies to counteract the spread of
Amendment 228 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Expresses its concern about the lack of reporting of hate crimes by victims owing to inadequate safeguards and to the failure of authorities to investigate properly and to end impunity for hate crimes in the Member States; calls on the Member States to develop and disseminate tools and mechanisms for reporting hate crimes and hate speech, and to ensure that any case of alleged hate crime or hate speech is effectively investigated, prosecuted and tried;
Amendment 229 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to take measures to increase women's security in public space and on the internet, and to introduce comprehensive mechanisms to assist victims of cyberbullying (including in particular cyberstalking and online harassment);
Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 16 Amendment 230 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 b (new) 13b. Underlines the key role of civil society organisations in fostering media literacy and helping to prevent the spread of hate speech; recalls that programs that have been deemed as utilizing effective strategies to combat hate crime and hate speech are focused on cooperation, communication, conflict resolution, problem solving, mediation, and bias awareness;
Amendment 231 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes that the new digital environment has exacerbated the problem of the spread of disinformation and has resulted in online platforms playing an influential role in publishing, disseminating and promoting news and other media content; reiterates its concern about the potential threat disinformation poses to freedom of expression and the independence of the media; calls for greater collaboration between online platforms and law-enforcement authorities to limit the spread of fake news and messages that incite hatred or instigate discrimination and violence; is of the view that the prompt removal of illegal content is an effective way to curb the uncontrolled spread of fake news; notes, however, that online platforms cannot and must not become private censors and that any removal of illegal content by online platforms must always be subject to review by the courts of the Member States, in order to protect freedom of expression, the right to free and independent information and the fundamental rights of citizens in general;
Amendment 232 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes that the new digital environment has exacerbated the problem of the spread of disinformation and has resulted in online platforms playing an influential role in publishing, disseminating and promoting news and other media content; reiterates its concern about the potential threat disinformation poses to freedom of expression and the independence of the media; highlights that measures combatting disinformation should focus on fostering a plurality of opinions, through the promotion of high- quality journalism, delivering reliable, fact-based, verified information, as well as on building media literacy, and that any such measures must provide guarantees for the freedom of information and the freedom of expression;
Amendment 233 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes that the new digital environment has exacerbated the problem of the spread of disinformation and has resulted in online platforms playing an influential role in publishing, disseminating and promoting news and other media
Amendment 234 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes that
Amendment 235 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes that
Amendment 236 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes that the new digital environment has exacerbated the problem of the spread of disinformation and has resulted in online platforms playing an influential role in publishing, disseminating and promoting news and other media content; reiterates its concern about the potential threat disinformation poses to freedom of expression
Amendment 237 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 14. Notes that the new digital environment has exacerbated the problem of the spread of disinformation, foreign interference, and has resulted in online platforms playing an influential role in publishing, disseminating and promoting news and other media content; reiterates its concern about the potential threat disinformation poses to
Amendment 238 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Highlights that upholding the editorial independence within central and local media outlets, and developing media literacy projects, are essential elements for building resilience, raising awareness and strengthening education in efficiently combatting propaganda, disinformation and manipulations; calls on the Commission to actively engage in the promotion of reliable, fact-based and fact- checked information, enhancing media distribution channels in order to improve access to such information, empowering Union citizens to better identify and deal with disinformation; calls on Member States to fully implement the provisions of the revised Audio-visual Media Service Directive requiring them to promote and develop media literacy skills;
Amendment 239 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Notes that in accordance with many leading international actors, including the UN, Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and Council of Europe, platforms should not be made liable for third-party content, but need to be responsible for expediently administering their platforms while protecting data and privacy of their users2a; _________________ 2aPolicy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs. Disinformation and propaganda – impact on the functioning of the rule of law in the EU and its Member States, p. 10; 13
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 17 Amendment 240 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Calls on all online platforms to ensure their algorithms underpinning search functions favour reliable sources and trustworthy sites over a commercial logic based on advertising; calls on the Commission to take the necessary steps to control and monitor online platforms and to ensure that they comply with this approach;
Amendment 241 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Calls on the EU institutions for strengthened and pro-active communication in all official languages when major public emergencies, such as the pandemic occur in order to ensure that European citizens have access to accurate, user-friendly and verified information;
Amendment 242 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Recalls that online platforms are part of the online public sphere where public debate take place; calls on the Commission to ensure safeguards for platforms to respect fundamental rights and freedom of speech;
Amendment 243 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) Amendment 244 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Recalls that political profiling, disinformation and manipulation of information may be used by political parties and private or public entities, and reiterates its concern about the fact that evidence of interference is continuously coming to light, often with indications of foreign influence, in the run-up to all major national and EU elections, with much of this interference benefiting
Amendment 245 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Recalls that political profiling, disinformation and manipulation of information may be used by political parties and private or public entities, and reiterates its concern about the fact that evidence of interference is continuously
Amendment 246 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Recalls that political profiling, disinformation and manipulation of information may be used by political parties and private or public entities, and reiterates its concern about the fact that evidence of interference is continuously coming to light, often with indications of foreign influence, in the run-up to all major national and EU elections
Amendment 247 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Recalls that political profiling, disinformation and manipulation of information may be used by political
Amendment 248 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Recalls that
Amendment 249 #
15. Recalls that political profiling, disinformation and manipulation of information may be used by political parties and private or public entities, and reiterates its concern about the
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 17 Amendment 250 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Recalls that political profiling, disinformation and manipulation of information may be used by political parties and private or public entities, and reiterates its concern about the fact that evidence of interference is continuously coming to light, often with indications of foreign influence, in the run-up to all major national and EU elections
Amendment 251 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Recalls that political profiling, disinformation and manipulation of information
Amendment 252 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Recalls that political profiling, disinformation and manipulation of information may be used by political parties and private or public entities, and reiterates its concern about the fact that evidence of interference is continuously coming to light, often with indications of foreign influence, in the run-up to all major national and EU elections, with much of this interference benefiting anti-EU, extreme
Amendment 253 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 15. Recalls that political profiling, disinformation and manipulation of information may be used by political parties and private or public entities, and reiterates its concern about the fact that evidence of interference is continuously coming to light, often with indications of foreign influence, in the run-up to all major national and EU elections, with much of this interference
Amendment 254 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15a. Finds it outrageous that certain Member States, inter alia Hungary, launch publicly funded disinformation campaigns to discredit the European Union and to mislead the public about its aim and activities; calls on the European Commission to openly condemn and debunk the lies and disinformation spread by state authorities about the European Union and to publish and distribute a factual response to inform citizens;
Amendment 255 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15a. Underlines that disinformation and sensationalised media reports relating to the COVID-19 emergency have also been used by extreme right-wing and populist groups and politicians to target minority groups and contribute to anti- immigration rhetoric, which has led to increased instances of racist and xenophobic hate speech, as well as discrimination;
Amendment 256 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 b (new) 15b. Condemns that conspiracy theories and publicly funded disinformation campaigns exist as part of government communication in certain Member States, inter alia in Hungary;
Amendment 257 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Points out that different forms of misinformation and disinformation, as well as other forms of information manipulation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to proliferate around the world and have potentially harmful consequences for public security, health and effective crisis management; recalls that all measures to combat disinformation, including those taken in the context of the COVID-19 emergency, need to be necessary, proportionate, temporary and subject to regular oversight, and may under no circumstances prevent journalists and media actors from carrying out their work or lead to content being unduly blocked on the internet; stresses that resorting to other measures, such as content take-downs and censorship, may result in limiting access to important information for public health and should only be undertaken where they meet the standards of necessity and proportionality; highlights that any attempts to criminalise information relating to the pandemic may create distrust in institutional information, delay access to reliable information and have a chilling effect on freedom of expression;
Amendment 258 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Points out that different forms of misinformation and disinformation, as well as other forms of information manipulation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to proliferate around the world and have potentially harmful consequences
Amendment 259 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Points out that different forms of misinformation and disinformation, as well as other forms of information manipulation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to proliferate around the world and have potentially harmful consequences for public security, health and effective crisis management; recalls that all measures to combat disinformation, including those taken in the context of the COVID-19 emergency, need to be necessary, proportionate, transparent and subject to regular oversight, and may under no circumstances prevent journalists and media actors from carrying out their work or lead to content being unduly blocked on the internet; deplores that certain online platforms remove professional journalistic content based on non-transparent terms and conditions which unnecessarily limit the freedom of expression;
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 22 a (new) — having regard to its resolution of 11 September 2018 on measures to prevent and combat mobbing and sexual harassment at workplace, in public spaces, and political life in the EU9a, _________________ 9a Texts adopted, P8_TA(2018)0331.
Amendment 260 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Points out that different forms of misinformation and disinformation, as well as other forms of information manipulation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to proliferate around the world and have potentially harmful consequences for public security, health and effective crisis management; welcomes the Joint Communication on Tackling COVID-19 disinformation, of 10 June 2020; recalls that all measures to combat disinformation, including those taken in the context of the COVID-19 emergency, need to be necessary, proportionate and subject to regular oversight, and may under no circumstances prevent journalists and media actors from carrying out their work or lead to content being unduly blocked on the internet;
Amendment 261 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Points out that different forms of misinformation and disinformation, as well as other forms of information manipulation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to proliferate around the world and have potentially harmful consequences for public security, health and effective crisis management; recalls that all measures to combat disinformation, including those taken in the context of the COVID-19 emergency, need to be necessary, proportionate and subject to regular oversight, avoiding any drift leading to public monopoly or concentration of information sources and may under no circumstances prevent journalists and media actors from carrying out their work or lead to content being unduly blocked on the internet;
Amendment 262 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Points out that different forms of misinformation and disinformation, as well as other forms of information
Amendment 263 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Points out that different forms of misinformation and disinformation, as well as other forms of information manipulation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to proliferate around the world and have potentially harmful consequences for public security, health and effective crisis management; recalls that all measures to combat disinformation, including those taken in the context of the COVID-19 emergency, need to be necessary, proportionate and subject to regular oversight, and may under no circumstances limit freedom of expression, prevent journalists and media actors from carrying out their work, or lead to content being unduly blocked on the internet;
Amendment 264 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Points out that different forms of misinformation and disinformation, as well as other forms of information manipulation
Amendment 265 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Emphasises that promoting media literacy and critical thinking, including through content awareness and source credibility, are key in the fight against disinformation and are critical in decreasing the level of people being susceptible to fake news while increasing their resilience; points out that in order to reach a wider audience and more age groups it is important to scale up media literacy initiatives through social media platforms, including effective media literacy strategies for the elderly and most vulnerable groups;
Amendment 266 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 b (new) 16b. Encourages the EC to provide support for complementing educational programmes in all Member States not only in the scope of media literacy, but also in wider civic education, including democratic values and human rights for further sensitisation regarding disinformation and propaganda;
Amendment 267 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 Amendment 268 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative to present a European Democracy Action Plan that aims to counter disinformation and to adapt to evolving threats and manipulations, as well as to support free and independent media; emphasises in this respect that protecting free and independent media while combating hate speech and disinformation is a fundamental factor in terms of the defence of the rule of law and democracy in the EU; notes with concern that according to a GDI research, websites spreading disinformation in the EU receive more than 70 million Euros in ad revenues every year; calls on the Commission to further engage with the digital platforms and step up the efforts towards ending such practices, as well as towards combatting the strategic, automated amplification of disinformation through the use of bots or fake profiles online, and towards increasing transparency in respect to the financing and the distribution of online advertising;
Amendment 269 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative to present a European Democracy Action Plan that aims to counter disinformation and to adapt to evolving threats and manipulations, as well as to
Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 23 a (new) — having regard to its resolution of 28 November 2019 on the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention and other measures to combat gender-based violence10a, _________________ 10a Texts adopted, P9_TA(2019)0080.
Amendment 270 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Welcomes the Commission’s initiative to present a European Democracy Action Plan that aims to counter disinformation and to adapt to evolving threats and manipulations, as well as to support free
Amendment 271 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17a. Welcomes the launch of the European Digital Media Observatory - EDMO project, which will increase the level of available scientific knowledge regarding online disinformation, promote the development of an EU information verification services market and support the creation of a cross-border and multidisciplinary community composed of fact checkers and academic researchers cooperating with stakeholders to identify, analyse and expose potential disinformation threats, with regard to COVID for example;
Amendment 272 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17a. Calls on Member States to increase their efforts to strengthen media literacy across education to help citizens identify disinformation;
Amendment 273 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 Amendment 274 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Reminds the Commission and the Member States as well as the private sector, in particular online platforms, and civil society as a whole of the need for joint action when it comes to the fight against disinformation
Amendment 275 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Reminds the Commission and the Member States as well as the private sector, in particular online platforms, and civil society as a whole of the need for joint action when it comes to the fight against disinformation
Amendment 276 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Reminds the Commission and the Member States as well as the private sector, in particular online platforms, and civil society as a whole of the need for joint action when it comes to the fight against disinformation, and acknowledges the positive impact of the voluntary actions taken by service providers and platforms to counter disinformation; warns against the EU becoming a self-proclaimed “Ministry of Truth” and thereby limiting the freedom of expression and the right to impart information and ideas without interference by public authority; and calls on the EU to heed against the EU becoming a (counter)propaganda machine silencing all forms of opposition against its narrative;
Amendment 277 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Reminds the Commission and the Member States as well as the private sector, in particular online platforms, and civil society as a whole of the need for joint action when it comes to the fight against disinformation, and acknowledges the positive impact of the voluntary actions taken by some service providers and platforms to counter disinformation
Amendment 278 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Reminds the Commission and the Member States as well as the private sector, in particular online platforms, and civil society as a whole of the need for joint action when it comes to the fight against disinformation, and acknowledges the p
Amendment 279 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Reminds the Commission and the Member States as well as the private sector, in particular online platforms, and civil society as a whole of the need for joint action when it comes to the fight against disinformation, and acknowledges the positive impact of
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 33 a (new) — having regard to its resolution of 23 October 2013 on organised crime, corruption and money laundering: recommendations on action and initiatives to be taken (final report) (2013/2107(INI)),
Amendment 280 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 18. Reminds the Commission and the Member States as well as the private sector, in particular online platforms, and civil society as a whole of the need for joint action when it comes to the fight against disinformation, and acknowledges the positive and necessary, yet still insufficient, impact of the voluntary actions taken by service providers and platforms to counter disinformation;
Amendment 281 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Stresses that using automated tools in content moderation may endanger freedom of expression and information; calls on the European Commission and the Member States to ensure full transparency by private companies and governments in the use of algorithms, artificial intelligence and automated decision-making, which should not be implemented and developed in a way and with the intent of arbitrary blocking, filtering and removing internet contents, and to guarantee that any EU digital policy and strategy must be drafted with human rights based approach, providing for appropriate remedies and safeguards and in full compliance with the relevant provisions of the EU Charter of fundamental rights and of the ECHR;
Amendment 282 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Expresses concern about the impact on freedom of expression that some measures taken by internet platforms may have, such as the use of fact checkers, which are nothing but online content creators whose political interests are set by those who finance them; stresses, in this connection, the risks that these internet platforms pose to political plurality and freedom of expression by establishing 'the official truth' on the basis of a position held by a government, an international organisation or a pressure group, or on subjects on which the scientific community does not unanimously agree;
Amendment 283 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Calls on the Commission and Member States to improve media literacy through support for educational initiatives aimed at both students and professional educators, as well as through targeted awareness-raising campaigns within civil society, highlights that media literacy is an increasingly essential and critical skill for the modern citizen and consumer and recalls its fundamental role as one of the primary solutions to growing disinformation- and hate speech-related issues;
Amendment 284 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Considers that the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation could be strengthened through improved monitoring of the existing commitments, transparent and disaggregated provision of information and data by the online platforms and expansion of the existing commitments; considers that co- regulatory approach continuously reflecting current developments in the digital sphere could be a way forward;
Amendment 285 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Stresses that the business model of the advertising industry, based on micro- targeted advertising, and product of pervasive online tracking of individuals across sites and applications, is a major concern; recalls the urgent need to reform the business model behind dominant platforms;
Amendment 286 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Calls on social media companies and online platforms to make available tools to enable users to report and flag potential disinformation in order to facilitate prompt rectification and to allow for review by independent and impartial third party fact checking organisations;
Amendment 287 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) Amendment 288 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) 18a. Calls on the Commission to propose European rules regarding online platforms in order to counter government practices that unnecessarily limit freedom of expression;
Amendment 289 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 b (new) 18b. Considers continuous media literacy curriculum and efforts across all age groups to be of significant importance when increasing societal resilience to various threats in the digital space;
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 34 a (new) — having regard to the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, adopted on 12 May 2014, recognising artistic freedom as an inherent component of freedom of expression alongside media freedom,
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 a (new) — having regard to the Resolution 2300 of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) of 1 October 2019 on ‘Improving the protection of whistle-blowers all over Europe’1b _________________ 1b http://assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/XRef/Xref- XML2HTML-EN.asp?fileid=28150⟨=en
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 34 a (new) — having regard to the European Regulators Group for Audiovisual Media Services' Report on disinformation: Assessment of the implementation of the Code of Practice (2020)
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 34 b (new) — having regard to the work carried out by the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA),
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Recital -A (new) -A. whereas the rights to freedom of expression and information are fundamental rights and indispensable conditions for citizens active participation in a democratic society, for the realisation of the principles of transparency and accountability and for the fulfilment of other human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas media freedom, pluralism and independence are crucial components of the right of freedom of expression and are essential to the democratic functioning of the EU and its Member States; whereas the media play an essential role in democratic society, by acting as public watchdogs, while helping to inform and empower citizens, through widening their understanding of the current political and social landscape, and fostering their conscious participation in democratic life;
Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas media freedom, pluralism and independence, as well as the safety of journalists, are crucial components of the right of freedom of expression and are essential to the democratic functioning of the EU and its Member States;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas media freedom, pluralism
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas media freedom, pluralism and independence are crucial components
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas the right to inform and the right to be informed are part of the core basic democratic values on which the EU is founded; whereas the media play an essential role in democratic society by helping to inform and empower citizens, through widening their understanding of the current political and social landscape, and fostering their participation in democratic life; whereas freedom of opinion and expression are indispensable for the fulfilment of other human rights and fundamental freedoms;
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas the crisis has highlighted the essential role played by journalists in providing citizens with reliable and verified information, thereby helping to save lives; more effort must therefore be made to ensure safe and suitable working conditions for journalists;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas certain Member States limit freedom of media through economical means, such as distorted public advertising among media outlets altering competition, and controls directly public media in order to influence editorial decisions and thus ensuring pro- government loyalty;
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 a (new) — having regard to the Joint Communication of 10 June 2020 entitled ‘Tackling COVID-19 disinformation - Getting the facts right’ (JOIN(2020) 8 final),
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas public authorities have the duty not only to refrain from implementing restrictions on freedom of expression, but also the positive obligation to adopt a legal and regulatory framework which fosters the development of free, independent and pluralistic media;
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A a (new) Aa. whereas all Member States must adhere to the values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A b (new) Ab. whereas in Hungary the government has intrusively distorted the media landscape, in particular by favouring pro-government outlets with public advertising, whereas the creation of the Central European Press and Media Foundation (KESMA) in 2018 that owns almost all free of charge newspapers, regional daily newspapers, national tabloids and a number of regional and national TV and radio channels with a centrally coordinated news coverage, resulted in an overwhelming share and control in the media market and its creation violated national and European competition and media ownership rules which was circumvented by a government order declaring it a matter of national strategic importance;
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A b (new) Ab. whereas key democratic tasks of the media include strengthening transparency and democratic accountability; whereas investigative journalism fulfils a necessary watchdog role that assists the public in holding governments and institutions, at all levels, accountable for their actions and obligations; whereas whistleblowing is a fundamental aspect of freedom of expression and is also instrumental in detecting and reporting irregularities and cases of corruption within the public and private sectors;
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A c (new) Ac. whereas, in the context of fighting corruption and maladministration in the EU, investigative journalism should receive particular consideration and financial support as a tool serving the public good;
Amendment 45 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B.
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas media capture, the lack of institutional transparency, hate speech
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B B. whereas media capture, hate speech and disinformation are increasingly being
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C C. whereas
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 b (new) — having regard to the UN Human Rights Committee’s General Comment No 34 on Article 19 of the ICCPR (Freedom of opinion and expression),
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas according to the 2019 Reuters Institute Digital News Report the average level of trust in the news in general (worldwide) is down 2 percentage points to 42% and less than half (49%) agree that they trust the news media they themselves use; whereas trust in the news found via search (33%) and social media remains stable but extremely low (23%);
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas according to the 2020 World Press Freedom Index, the situation concerning the independence of the press differs significantly between Member States, with some Member States ranking among the top 5 best performers, while the worst entry ranking as low as 111th out of 180;
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas according to the 2020 World Press Freedom Index the COVID- 19 pandemic has highlighted and amplified many other crises that threaten the right to freely reported, independent, diverse and reliable information;
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas several Member States’ position in international press freedom rankings has declined;
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C b (new) Cb. whereas recent years show a growing pattern of intimidation to silence journalists that requires urgent actions to uphold the essential role of the independent media in ensuring the principles of rule of law;
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C c (new) Cc. whereas the transparency of the media ownership is an absolute precondition for ensuring media pluralism and independent journalism;
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas journalists and other media actors continue to be at risk of violence, threats, harassment, pressure, (self-) censorship, public shaming and even assassination in the EU as a result of their investigative activities to protect the public interest;
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas journalists and other media actors continue to be at risk of violence, threats, harassment, pressure, self- censorship, public shaming and even assassination in the EU as a result of their investigative activities to protect the public interest and their daily reporting on key issues, such as social protests;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas journalists and other media actors continue to
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas research consistently finds evidence that women are in the minority across media sectors, particularly in creative roles, and are severely underrepresented at senior, decision-making levels; whereas studies of women’s participation in journalism suggest that, while there is a relatively good gender balance among entrants into the journalism profession, the distribution of decision-making responsibilities is characterised by a significant gender disparity and it is a fact that women journalists face gender-specific forms of violence, such as sexual and online harassment;
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 c (new) — having regard to the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity,
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas public authorities have the duty not only to refrain from implementing restrictions on freedom of expression, but also the positive obligation to adopt measures which promotes the development of free, independent and pluralistic media;
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas the murders of Daphne Caruana Galizia and Jan Kuciak are two tragically profound examples of the extent to which investigative journalists are being targeted for exposing corruption, protecting democracy and the rule of law;
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas the threats to media freedom includes harassment and attacks aimed at journalists, disregard of their legal protection as well as media capture or politically motivated actions in the media sector;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas some forms of intimidation may include the use of private investigators to follow journalists in order to ascertain the identity of their sources;
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) Db. whereas in several Member States, SLAPPs are a continued practice used to scare journalists into halting investigations into corruption and other matters of public interest;
Amendment 65 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas in addition to violence, intimidation and harassment of journalists there is lack of prosecution of the perpetrators of these crimes; whereas governments have a responsibility not only to respect journalism, but also to ensure that journalists and their sources are protected by strong laws, the prosecution of perpetrators and ample security where necessary;
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E E. whereas in addition to violence, intimidation and harassment of journalists there is lack of prosecution of the perpetrators of these crimes and impunity leads to a chilling effect; whereas OSCE reports that impunity prevails as e.g. less than 15% of murders of journalists in the OSCE region are solved;
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas the spreading, on a massive scale, of news from different sources which are difficult to verify, with the ever growing role of social media and messaging platforms, is having a negative impact on the fundamental rights of citizens in Europe; whereas the global COVID-19 pandemic has made the need to ensure free and independent information even clearer, in order to protect the fundamental rights of citizens; whereas the lack of a coordinated communication strategy at EU level has facilitated the wave of disinformation concerning the pandemic, especially on social media and messaging platforms;
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas female journalists are disproportionately targeted by harassment and abuse and face gender-specific forms of violence, such as sexual and online harassment; whereas online harassment and abuse is often highly sexualized, based not on the content of their work, but on their physical traits, cultural background, or private life; whereas these threats lead female journalists to self- censorship and have a chilling effect on press freedom and freedom of expression; whereas threats and attacks against female journalists also hinders media pluralism in terms of gender diversity in media production;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas strengthening media freedom requires credible and detailed information on the scope and the nature of the challenges within the Member States and the EU as a whole, including on individual cases of violation of the principles of the independent media or infringements of fundamental rights of journalist;
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 d (new) — having regard to the relevant resolutions of the UN General Assembly, the UN Human Rights Council and the reports of the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas investigative journalism should be promoted as a form of civic engagement and as an act of civic virtue supported by communication, learning, education and training;
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E a (new) Ea. whereas recent years have witnessed an increase in gender-based violence against female journalists, both physical and online;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E b (new) Eb. whereas artistic freedom is an integral part of the fundamental right of freedom of expression and is essential for Europe’s cultural diversity and democratic health; whereas attacks to artistic freedom are proliferating but remain invisible;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Recital E b (new) Eb. whereas the rights of the journalists to report and investigate needs to be further enhanced and effectively protected;
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas the global COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating social and economic impact on the media sector; whereas media outlets have been reporting considerable losses in their revenue from advertising, whereas thousands of media workers have already lost, or are at risk of losing their jobs, either temporarily or permanently, whereas this has particularly strong impact on freelance journalists whose number is increasing throughout the EU and who constitute already a significant part of all journalists in Europe; whereas financial sustainability of the job and financial independence are a crucial part of press freedom;
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas the global COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating social and economic impact on the media sector; whereas this involves a serious risk of further fostering the concentration of information in the hands of a few and preventing the spread of free and independent information;
Amendment 76 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F F. whereas the global COVID-19 crisis is having a devastating social and economic impact on the media sector, especially freelance media workers, both for the organizations confronting it and for the journalists as individual workers;
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the stigmatisation, through the media, of some particularly vulnerable individuals, fostering the polarisation of European society and the proliferation of hate speech;
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas in some Member States, state aid for media outlets has not been handled transparently, which puts these outlets' independence and credibility at serious risk;
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F a (new) Fa. whereas the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the impact of disinformation online, sometimes with serious consequences for public health
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 e (new) — having regard to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the UN Convention against Corruption and the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and the Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions,
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution Recital F b (new) Fb. whereas digital advertising revenue often benefits non-EU actors and European media revenues are in sharp decline
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the internet and social media play a major role in spreading
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the internet and social media play a role in spreading hate speech and fostering radicalisation leading to violent extremism, through the circulation of illegal content; whereas combating all forms of intolerance is an integral part of human-rights protection as developed by the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights;
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the internet and social media play an important role in spreading hate speech
Amendment 84 #
G. whereas the
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the internet and social media may play a role in spreading hate speech and fostering radicalisation leading to violent extremism, especially far-right violent extremism, through the circulation of illegal content;
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the internet and social media play a role in spreading hate speech and fostering radicalisation leading to violent extremism, through the circulation of illegal and anonymous content;
Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G G. whereas the internet and social media
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution Recital G a (new) Ga. whereas the phenomenon of cyber violence (including online hate speech, cyberstalking, online harassment) is becoming more widespread and whereas women who have a public role, among others politicians, journalists and activists fighting for women's rights and rights of sexual minorities are becoming a prime target for cyberbullying and online violence;
Amendment 89 #
H. whereas the AVMSD obliges the authorities in every Member State to ensure that audiovisual media services do not contain any incitement to hatred based on race, sex, religion or nationality; whereas satellite TV channels broadcast from third countries have disseminated violence, hate speech and incitement to terrorism in violation of Article 6 on the prevention of incitement to violence and hatred of the Audiovisial Media Services Directive;
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 f (new) Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas the AVMSD obliges the authorities in every Member State to ensure that audiovisual media services
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas the AVMSD obliges the authorities in every Member State to ensure that audiovisual media services do not contain any incitement to hatred based on race, sex, religion or nationality; whereas the AVMSD obliges Member States to ensure the independence of media regulators;
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H H. whereas the AVMSD obliges the authorities in every Member State to ensure that audiovisual media services do not contain any incitement to hatred based on
Amendment 93 #
Motion for a resolution Recital H a (new) Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas the spread of false news and disinformation available via social media or search websites poses a threat to freedom of speech and expression and the independence of the media, and has strongly impaired the credibility of the
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas the spread of false news and disinformation, a
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas the spread of
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I I. whereas the spread of false news and disinformation available via social media or search websites poses a threat to freedom of speech and expression and the independence of the media, and has
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution Recital I a (new) Ia. whereas freedom of the media has been deteriorating in recent years and while the COVID-19 outbreak has exacerbated this, it has also brought to the forefront the importance of the media and the right to access reliable information;
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