[Politico] EP- Right wing parties accuse Brussels of censorship

European lawmakers convened on Saturday to discuss a proposal on media, disinformation, and election interference, sparking heated discussions on freedom of speech and censorship.

While the right-wing German AfD party highlighted the importance of freedom of speech, supported by Hungary’s national-conservative Fidesz party, Estonia advocated for stricter EU guidelines for the governance of digital platforms to tackle the spread of mis- and disinformation. Against the backdrop of Russia’s attempts to interfere in Estonia’s national elections, stricter cyber security measures are considered necessary to continue to facilitate fair and free elections. Meanwhile, right-wing parties feared that a centralised approach to digital governance means imposing an ideology that limits individuals’ freedom of expression and silences opposing voices, emphasising the need for national sovereignty in determining guidelines. A source told Politico that an AfD delegate has gone as far as equating Brussels with Moscow, accusing the European Union of censorship. 

Greece, while backing Estonia’s concern about election interference, agreed with the AfD but named censorship of opposing voices regarding the Israel-Hamas war as a reason for questioning Brussel’s commitment to truth. 

The proposal by the European Commission, set to be passed by the end of a four day summit, has already created clear divisions in the European Parliament, with right and left wing parties debating definitions of truth and freedom.