EU disturbed by Bulgaria's media situation

The European Commission is deeply concerned with the issues of press freedom and pluralism in Bulgaria, EU Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes has said.

«From a judicial point of view, it is up to the member states to ensure press freedom and pluralism,» Kroes has told the Bulgarian Capital Daily.

She added, however, that the European Commission is «really concerned» with the Balkan country's media freedom situation.

The European Commissioner has pointed out that the latest Reporters without Borders ranking placed Bulgaria last among all EU countries, saying this is «alarming.»

She also reminded that there has been growing violence against Bulgarian journalists, according to OSCE.

Last week, Kroes held an event on digital media in Sofia and had a discussion with representatives of Bulgarian media centered around the issue of media freedom.

Representatives of smaller media had almost no opportunity to speak at the round table, with almost the entire time being occupied by envoys of mainstream outlets.

In her interview for Capital Daily, Kroes has confirmed that the European Commission has launched infringement proceedings against Bulgaria over irregularities in the selection of companies to build the platforms for digital TV distribution in the country.

Adapted from Novinite