Promoting free and independent media and tackling disinformation are key agenda items at Friday’s meeting under the European Democracy Shield initiative.
The programme seeks to protect EU democracy from foreign influence, hybrid attacks, and disinformation, in part by reinforcing the role of public media.
Poland advocates stronger public media against disinformation
Polish Culture Minister Marta Cienkowska said in Brussels that free media are fundamental to democracy, but public broadcasters in some EU countries do not meet European standards, including the European Media Freedom Act.
Poland will back the conclusions, she added, stressing the importance of fully enforcing EU rules on media pluralism and independence.
Despite Hungary’s veto, ministers plan to adopt the conclusions at the level of the rotating Council presidency, currently held by Denmark.
Cienkowska appealed to colleagues to consider supporting the declaration, calling it “very important for Europe.”
Domestic media reforms in Poland
At the national level, work is ongoing on a new Polish media law, which Cienkowska hopes will be submitted to parliamentary committees in February or March 2026, with public consultations to follow.
Looking ahead, the EU’s 2026 budget reserves €1.8 billion for culture through the Agora fund, one of the largest cultural allocations in the EU budget.
Poland will seek funding to support young artists and cross-border cultural projects.
The Council also urges EU countries and international partners to protect European cultural values, artistic freedom, heritage, and diversity, integrating cultural institutions into crisis planning and awareness initiatives.
(mp)
Source: PAP/X/@PLintheEU/@EUCouncilTVNews