EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Markets and Companies

Ms Kalnina-Lukasevica, who spoke on behalf of the EU Council, underlined that dramatic changes in the media landscape and the introduction of new technologies have resulted in an unprecedented flow of information, creating both opportunities and challenges. While being opposed by totalitarian regimes and terrorists, this current of information has never been stopped. And, in many cases, maintaining the flow of information has been possible only due to the courage of journalists providing invaluable insights into realities on the ground, including from conflict areas.

However, free media are increasingly facing new challenges, notably due to the growing sophistication of cyber-attacks and threats. In this context, the Parliamentary State Secretary for EU Affairs underlined that, while continuing to apply the existing tools, the EU should also intensify work on new and more comprehensive responses.

Particular attention should be paid to security of the internet, which has become one of the most important channels for fulfilling the interests of EU citizens and an indispensable asset for economic growth and development. She reassured members of the European Parliament that the EU Council remains fully committed towards the adoption and implementation of concrete measures to that end.

The Parliamentary State Secretary for EU Affairs also stressed that the EU must be able to counter aggressive propaganda launched by countries and terrorist groupings in an attack against EU values. Therefore, besides legislative measures, the EU should also work on effective and creative practical measures, both preventive and active. Strategic communication and international cooperation to counter propaganda are therefore high on the list of the Council's priorities.

A debate on cyber-attacks against the media took place at the EP as part of its monthly one-day plenary sitting in Brussels. Monthly four-day sessions take place in Strasbourg.