Independence of Public Service Media (PSM) in Europe is under increased pressure in a number of the EU Member States. Destabilization of this democratic institution in the context of the overall challenges in Europe and weakening of other democratic institutions, such as political parties represents a real threat to the democracy in Europe. The PSM in Hungary is under the full control of Orban. In 2016 a political cleansing took place in the public service broadcaster in Poland followed by a political purge in the Croatian broadcaster. Recently the Czech Television is under pressure for rejection of their annual report, which could lead to a change of management. Lithuanian PSM – LRT has experienced an increased political pressure from the parliament loading the broadcaster with excessive requests for information and establishing an Ad Hoc Investigative Commission to investigate the financial, managerial and economic activities of the broadcaster. Austrian public service broadcaster is under increased political pressure too. The PSM in Denmark is under pressure to have their budget significantly reduced. Public service media is indispensable for democracy, since they exercise the role of a watchdog in the society and provide a corrective mechanism for the wrongdoings of institutions and those in power. Without institutional and editorial independence PSM cannot fulfill this role in the society and cannot win the trust of the audience. Thus, we are very looking forward to welcoming you at the event to discuss these issues.

Petras Auštrevičius MEP

Tanja Fajon MEP

Eugen Freund MEP

Cecillia Wikstrom MEP

Tadeusz Zwiefka MEP