Council of Europe recommends changes to Poland's public media bill

“The expert opinion assesses the compatibility of the package with Council of Europe standards relating to freedom of expression and public service media,” the Council of Europe said in a statement.

The human rights body pointed to the need for transparency in appointing members of Poland's National Media Council.

The opinion said that “a number of provisions in the new legislation affect media content and may result in reduced pluralism and editorial independence.”

The Council of Europe called for “the current proposal for collective dismissal of middle-management employees” in public media to be abandoned.

It also recommended clarification of planned reforms to Poland's licence fee system.

Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland said he looked forward “to continuing the dialogue with the aim of bringing Poland’s media package in line with European standards.”

“It’s a positive sign that Poland is co-operating with the Council of Europe on this crucial issue,” he said.

Polish Deputy Minister of Culture and National Heritage Krzysztof Czabański welcomed the opinion, saying: “We are going in the same direction”.

The draft bill is being discussed in Poland's lower house of parliament. (ał/rg)