EP Delegation Visits Culture Ministry as Part of Democracy-monitoring Mission

Bratislava, 3 June (TASR) - A delegation of the European Parliament (EP) Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) visited the Slovak Culture Ministry on Monday (2 June) as part of a mission to monitor democracy and the rule of law, TASR learnt from ministry spokesperson Petra Bacinska on Tuesday. The aim of the visit was to gather information on the state of affairs regarding media freedom, the running of the public-service broadcaster, artistic freedom and the cultural rights of national minorities. "The ministry informed the delegation about key measures, including the ongoing implementation of the European Media Freedom Act [EMFA] The draft law is in the legislative process. Concerning the reform of Slovak Television and Radio [STVR], it's aimed at improving the independence and professionalism of the institution's management. [Plus] measures approved by the government to enhance the protection and safety of journalists," the ministry stated. Culture Ministry State Secretary Tibor Bernatak commented on the amendment to the Slovak Television and Radio Act. "STVR is an independent public institution, and we are not aware of any discussions being suppressed. On the contrary, just as in other European Union countries, we hope to see more diversity in these discussions," he said. Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a nominee of the Slovak National Party/SNS) also commented on the topic of alleged censorship. "We haven't banned anything, we haven't censored anything. Protests and protesters aren't being restricted in any way, and citizens' rights are guaranteed in Slovakia," she emphasised. According to the Culture Ministry, Slovakia welcomes the interest shown by the European Parliament and views the visit by the MEPs as an important part of open cooperation in the area of protecting fundamental rights, democracy, and cultural diversity. "Media freedom, cultural diversity and independent public institutions are the foundation of a democratic society. We are pleased to have been able to present specific steps taken by Slovakia to strengthen these areas and to open a professional dialogue with EP representatives," said Simkovicova during the meeting. The four-member delegation of the EP LIBE Committee has arrived in Bratislava to assess the current state of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental rights in Slovakia. The delegation includes chair of LIBE Javier Zarzalejos (EPP, Spain), head of the Monitoring Group for Democracy, the Rule of Law and Fundamental Rights (DRFMG) Sophie Wilmes (RE, Belgium), Milan Uhrik (ESN, Slovakia), and Daniel Freund (Greens/EFA, Germany). mf/df