Freedom of expression online and offline

7.3.2019

Question for written answer E-001238-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Marietje Schaake (ALDE)

With the freedom of expression and freedom of the press increasingly under attack, the EU is a key global actor in strengthening these fundamental drivers of democracy worldwide.

The EU human rights guidelines on freedom of expression online and offline form the cornerstone of the EU’s external human rights policy, which sets out to support the freedom of opinion and expression. The guidelines spell out how these basic freedoms should be incorporated into the EU’s support of democracy in its partner countries around the world. The guidelines state: ‘the EU will make use of all appropriate political and external financial instruments in order to further the promotion and protection of freedom of opinion and expression’, including through EU delegations.

1. How does the Commission currently support the implementation of the EU human rights guidelines on freedom of expression online and offline?

2. How will it support the freedom of expression and address the problem of disinformation in the next budget cycle?