The reply given by Mrs Wallström to my Written Question E‑3404/06 regarding unacceptable behaviour by Euronews proved to be a disagreeable surprise, since she appeared to see no particular problem regarding the use by this channel of nationalist terms and designations not accepted by the EU or its endorsement of nationalist views expressed by certain governments, despite the fact that it is being funded by the European taxpayers. More specifically, Mrs Wallström states ‘although the Commission provides funding for Euronews it is not empowered to intervene in any way regarding the journalistic content of its broadcasts. This is specifically laid down in provisions which are an integral part of the editorial charter which is attached to the contract concluded between the Commission and Euronews and which guarantees the latter full editorial freedom, an essential condition if it is to remain credible.’

How can the Euronews channel be credible if it insists on using erroneous terms, for example ‘Macedonia’, the designation used by the country's ultranationalists and not accepted by the EU when referring to Skopje (FYROM)? How can Mrs Wallström maintain that use of correct terms and designations which are recognised by the EU would constitute intervention regarding journalistic content? How can the Commission be so satisfied with this channel in view of successive questions from MEPs concerning it over the years and its own undertakings to bring its editorial staff into line? What action can the Commission take to halt EU funding for this channel given its total disregard for the sensibilities of the European public as recently evidenced by its inadmissible criticisms of the Italian people, its provocative remarks concerning Greek Cypriots and its decision to fly in the face of the EU on the fundamental issue of using official rather than ultranationalist designations?