The special role of PSM 'in strengthening democracy,' was highlighted in a resolution on Turkey’s progress towards EU membership adopted in a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on April 18.

The resolution also calls on authorities to 'ensure their independence, sustainability and compliance with European Union standards'. In a similar resolution on Croatia, the European Parliament  encouraged authorities 'to continue with efforts to ensure that the public service broadcaster is free from political and economic pressure, and to increase transparency.'

The Resolution on Turkey further identifies a number of issues where additional measures need to be implemented to fully reach European media freedom and pluralism standards, including the need to reform internet law, comply with the provisions of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive and to ensure fair and transparent trials of journalists.

On the same day, the European Parliament also adopted resolutions on the progress of Serbia, and Montenegro towards EU accession.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) welcomed the resolutions, which echo the sustained efforts of the EBU Partnership Programme (EPP) to strengthen PSM in EU accession countries.
   
David Lewis, who leads the Programme, said the resolutions also reflect elements of the EBU Declaration of the core values of public service media, which highlight the importance of independent and sustainably funded PSM as an essential characteristic of strong democratic regimes with free and diverse media.

Next month, the European Parliament is expected to adopt similar resolutions on progress made by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Resolution on Turkey

Resolution on Croatia