On Monday, European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said that EU commissioners would discuss on January 19 further measures with regard to the newly adopted law in Poland, which places broadcasters under the direct control of the country’s government, leading to concerns over press freedom in the country.
"The reactions of EU-Commission and especially those of leading German politicians are not helpful. It feeds the PiS-government with further arguments, supports the escalation of anti-German emotions [in Poland] and will probably not change their course at all," Hunko said.
On January 7, Polish President Andrzej Duda signed a decree giving his conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party-run government the power to appoint heads of public television and radio, as well as civil services. The law drew widespread opposition from EU leaders and media freedom advocates and caused nation-wide protests.
Over the weekend, the leader of the ruling German CDU party, Volker Kauder, suggested that EU nations should consider imposing sanctions on Poland if it is determined that European values are being violated.
Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said that Budapest would veto any EU measures against Warsaw.
