” “Dangerous concentrations” “” “

The issue of the pluralism of information is very much on the agenda in all the countries of the EU. That’s why the European Parliament, at its last session in Strasbourg from 18 to 20 November (cf. the report on p.13 below), approved a Resolution urging the European Commission to “review the situation”. To understand better the concerns of the EP, SirEurope met two journalists on the staff of the European Centre of Journalism in Maastricht (ECJ), an independent institute for the training of European journalists: the Spaniard Mikel Aguirre and the Italian Giuseppe Zaffuto , respectively ECJ Coordinator and “Project Manager”. Mr. Zaffuto, is pluralism of information at risk in Europe today? “The ECJ is undoubtedly a privileged watchdog that closely monitors the question of the pluralism and freedom of information. It’s undeniable that on the question of pluralism there has been, there is, and will continue to be a lot of talk about dangerous concentrations. As regards the countries of eastern Europe, from the numerous contacts we have had with journalists in the candidate countries (but also with those in the Ukraine, Belarus and Albania) what clearly emerges is a situation in which pluralism overall leaves a lot to be desired, due to the presence of powerful concentrations or actual cartels that undermine press freedom. The seminars of journalists that the ECJ organizes together with the Council of Europe in countries like Tajikistan or Azerbaijan only confirm our worst fears; press freedom is only now taking its first tentative steps. And there is the sheer necessity for assistance on our part. As regards the European Union, the situation is certainly better. Nonetheless, the cases of Murdoch and Vivendi, the question of Pay-TV and overt or covert mergers do not permit us to speak of a situation entirely free of monopolies or oligopolies. It would be appropriate for the EU to provide a series of watchdogs to seriously monitor the phenomenon in each member state, a kind of council for the defence of information, to control respect for democratic practices in information in general, including on-line”. Mr. Aguirre, should the Commission prepare a directive with the aim of safeguarding the freedom of expression and pluralism of the media? “The principles of freedom of expression and hence of pluralism in the media are already enunciated in various forms in European legislation but are applied in a diversified way in the Union according to the domestic legislations of member states. The Commission has already had occasion to express itself on specific cases of attacks on freedom of expression; I refer in the first place to the situation in the Basque Provinces in Spain. The question that needs to be posed is the following: is it desirable that an institution like the Commission should express itself on the matter, irrespective of its functions in this field? The answer can only be yes. The Commission is called to participate in the debates agitating our society; it plays an important political role in all fields as guardian of the Treaties and hence of the principles that inspire them”. Should the Convention on the future of Europe insert the principles of freedom and pluralism of information in the future constitutional treaty of the Union? “The Convention has a restricted timetable and must respond to many appeals by various pressure groups. The specific issue of the pluralism of information may not therefore represent an absolute priority. Nonetheless the EU has the duty to see to it that the principles laid down by Community legislation and the commitments assumed by member states be respected and applied also in this sector”.