Doc. 8557

30 September 1999

Freedom of expression in Europe

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Hegyi and others

    This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and only expresses the views of the members who have signed it

1.       The Assembly notes with concern that in a number of European countries, most of them members of the Council of Europe, violations of the freedom of the media persist and that not all the necessary reforms have been put in place in order to guarantee the right to free and independent information.

2.       It is particularly worrying that the most powerful means of mass information – radio and television – in certain countries are still under tight government control. Authorities can also control printed media through monopolies on printing houses and distribution and can use financial levers in order to suffocate unsuitable publications.

3.       The media are often subjected to pressures from the authorities or from mighty financial conglomerates even in countries where the constitutional and legal framework guarantees press freedom.

4.       Cases of physical aggression against journalists are still reported on a regular basis and police searches, threats and imprisonment are amongst the methods that a few governments use when dealing with the press.

5. Reporting on corruption, financial abuses, drug trafficking and terrorism could still be a potential life hazard for journalists everywhere in Europe.

6. The Assembly is concerned that several governments tend to ignore the expertise provided by the Council of Europe which aims at bringing the freedom of the press into line with European standards, particularly in the points which challenge their political control over the media. It considers that this is partly due to insufficient follow-up and lack of continuous and strong pressure by the Council of Europe.

7. 7.       The Assembly also regrets the fact that despite its experience in media affairs the Council of Europe has been overtaken as regards the provision of assistance for independent media and media regulation in the European non-member countries.

8. Therefore, the Assembly:

a.       resolves to organise, if possible in co-operation with the European Parliament, the OSCE and non-governmental organisations in the media field, a conference on freedom of expression in Europe and to examine the present situation country by country;

b.       recommends that the Committee of Ministers

       i. ensure that the media reforms requested by the Council of Europe in several member states are implemented without any further delay;

ii. boost the Organisation’s role in the struggle for freedom of expression in European non-member countries;

iii. ensure respect for press freedom in all European countries.

Signed : 1

Hegyi, Hungary, SOC

Agius, Malta, EPP/CD

Biga-Friganovic, Croatia, SOC

Elo, Finland, SOC

Etherington, United Kingdom, SOC

Flynn, United Kingdom, SOC

Frunda, Romania, EPP/CD

Gjellerod, Denmark, SOC

Herczog, Hungary, SOC

Jakič, Slovenia, LDR

Judd, United Kingdom, SOC

Kirilov, Bulgaria, SOC

Kurucsai, Hungary, EPP/CD

Lotz, Hungary, LDR

Nothomb, Belgium, EPP/CD

Ponsonby, United Kingdom, SOC

Stepová, Czech Republic, SOC

Tabajdi, Hungary, SOC

Tiuri, Finland, EDG

Weiss, Slovakia, SOC

1        SOC: Socialist Group