Media law versus Beneš decrees

21.2.2011

Question for written answer E-001925/2011
to the Commission
Rule 117
Csanád Szegedi (NI)

The European Commission has expressed its concern at the Hungarian media law which was submitted to the Hungarian Parliament by the current Hungarian government at the end of last year. According to the latest statement by the Commission, the Hungarian draft media law — which is ‘not compatible with European law’ — is being reviewed, inter alia, on the basis of the fundamental right to free speech.

Taking examples from within the European Union, I would like to ask the following concerning basic European standards and compatibility with European law:

What specific measures has the Commission taken and what concerns has it expressed with regard to the Beneš decrees, which remain in force in the Czech Republic and the Republic of Slovakia?

In the Commission’s view, to what extent are the Beneš decrees compatible with European law?

OJ C 294 E, 06/10/2011