Today, in several countries – not only inPoland, Hungary, and Turkey – but also from all corners of Europe, weexperience that the links between free and pluralistic media and politics arechallenged.

Hate Speech and Fake News are high on the agenda, citizens are getting more and more confused as propaganda is undermining credibility of media and our fundamental values are under attack.Impartial and accurate-journalism is shrinking.

It is high time to address the importance of free and pluralistic media for the development of our free democracies in Europe and with respect of keeping the principle of arms’length. We can only make such a difference by an inclusive and holistic approach as we need experts in media and democracy to reach out to the citizens,who lose ever more trust in our European values.

Topics to discuss:

Media and politics in conflict in Europe
Keeping new media and independent journalism free from state control
The latest media developments in Poland
Pluralism and democracy
Legislation and media freedom
Ethical standards and self-censorship