Commission's involvement in the closing of the Greek national broadcaster ERT
12.6.2013
Question for written answer P-006851-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Daniel Cohn-Bendit (Verts/ALE)
On 11 June 2013, the Greek Government unexpectedly closed the Greek national broadcaster ERT, which resulted in job losses for many workers. Employees were informed, without prior notice, that they would be unemployed within hours.
A government spokesman claimed that the decision is part of Greece’s obligations under the country’s economic adjustment programme and was taken in agreement with the Troika (the IMF, the European Central Bank and the European Commission) so as to secure the next instalment of financial assistance provided to the country.
Given that:
- 1.Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union provides for ‘respect and pluralism of the media’ and that Article 27 of the same Charter states: ‘Workers or their representatives must, at the appropriate levels, be guaranteed information and consultation in good time in the cases and under the conditions provided for by Community law and national laws and practices’;
- 2.Article 147 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union states: ‘The objective of a high level of employment shall be taken into consideration in the formulation and implementation of Union policies and activities’,
can the Commission clarify its intentions as regards the abovementioned proposals, and more specifically reply to the following questions:
- 1.Was the Commission aware of the above decision by the Greek government?
- 2.Is this decision indeed a requirement of the Troika under the stabilisation programme for Greece and in agreement with the financial aid given to the country? Does the Commission confirm its agreement with this decision as a member of the Troika?
- 3.Is this decision and its application in compliance with the above principles of the Treaties of the European Union, of which the Commission is the guardian?
OJ C 48 E, 20/02/2014