The discussion, which is slated to take place on 13 January at the European Commission, has been scheduled as 'a debate on the rule of law in Poland'. The law in question now grants the Polish government authority over all appointments to top positions in state-run broadcasters, a system that critics believe threatens freedom of speech in the country. According to Guenther Oettinger, the EU Commissioner for Digital Economy, there are also 'solid grounds' for the EU regulator to place pressure on Poland to amend the law under the Commission's 'rule of law' mechanism. The mechanism, which was adopted last year but has never been used, is designed to rein in EU member governments whose policies and legislation are seen to pose a 'systematic threat' to EU values. Both freedom of expression and the freedom and pluralism of the press are enshrined in Article 11 of the European Union's Charter of Fundamental Rights. If activated against Poland, the mechanism could result in the suspension of the Polish government's voting rights in the EU Council. Sources: BBC; Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty
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