Andras Muranyi, center, editor in chief of the Hungarian oppositional political daily newspaper Nepszabadsag and workers stand together as they are trying to get into the headquarters of Nepszabadsag in Budapest, Hungary, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. Hungary's largest left-wing political newspaper has suspended publication because of "considerable" losses, its owners said Saturday. The move was condemned by opposition parties across the country's political spectrum, all accusing Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government of trying to extend its dominance over the media. (Zoltan Balogh/MTI via AP) (The Associated Press)
BRUSSELS – The European Union's executive says it is closely following the media situation in Hungary after the closure of the nation's main opposition newspaper further reduced the diversity of political voices.
EU Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said Monday that "the Commission is aware of and concerned" about the situation and stressed again "media freedom, pluralism and the protection of journalists are at the very base of a free and democratic society."
He adds that "we are of course following the situation closely."
The EU institutions and member state Hungary have clashed in the past over issues of fundamental rights and accusations that Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government is trying to extend its dominance over the media.
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