European Parliament debates Greece’s rule of law issue

The European Parliament debated rule of law backsliding and media freedom issues in Greece on Wednesday, after criticism and warnings from journalists, civil society and MEPs.

EU Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders referred to several rule of law and media freedom issues Greece faces, from the way judges are appointed, to the lack of transparency in media ownership, threats and attacks against journalists, and the use of spyware, as described in the EU Commission's annual rule of law report.

The commissioner noted that steps have been made with some legislative acts and the formation of a task force, but more needs to be done.

"Greece does not meet the conditions for EU funding; an unbiased reassessment is essential," said Dutch MEP Sophie in 't Veld during the debate. "Rule of law is in steep decline and press freedom in dire straits," she added.