Slovenia: MEPs discuss threats to media freedom and democracy Update
During the debate, many MEPs emphasized that, despite positive developments, important threats to democracy remain in Slovenia. MEPs warned of media deprivation, online harassment, legal action (SLAPP) and threats of critical voices in Slovenia’s highly polarized political environment, MEPs said government officials (including the prime minister) were responsible for efforts to silenced perceived criticism.
Several MEPs also drew attention to political reasons that deliberately delay the appointment of prosecutors in EPPO. They also highlighted corruption and the impact of delays in the appointment of public prosecutors in relevant investigations, as well as the threat the Union faces from the spread of illiberal political movements in the Member States.
However, a large number of MEPs said that most of the issues at the heart of this debate were either resolved or politically motivated. The appointment of prosecutors to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office was finally completed today, they say, recalling the recently found solution for financing the national news agency STA. That is why many MEPs have argued that respect for European values is not a problem in Slovenia.
You can follow the recorded discussion with Minister Anže Logar on behalf of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council and Commissioner Reynders here.
Background
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is the EU’s new independent public prosecutor’s office, responsible for prosecuting crimes against its financial interests, such as bribery, money laundering and tax fraud. Member States’ participation is currently voluntary 22 EU countries decided to participate, including Slovenia and authorize their prosecutors to conduct investigations in their home country. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office became operational on 1 June 2021. Commission 2021 rule of law report on Slovenia noted that the appointment of public prosecutors in the country was unjustifiably delayed, and noted the untimely appointment of European delegated prosecutors.
A European Parliament delegation recently traveled to Ljubljana, where MEPs met with national authorities, journalists and NGOs to assess respect for EU values in the country.