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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2026/2568(RSP))

On the attempted takeover of Lithuania’s public broadcaster and the threat to democracy in Lithuania

B-10-2026-0070

on behalf of the Renew Group · Rapporteur: Dainius Žalimas, Petras Auštrevičius

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

This resolution addresses the attempted takeover of Lithuania's public broadcaster (LRT) and the threat to democracy in Lithuania. It condemns legislative and administrative measures that undermine LRT independence, including funding freezes and reduced dismissal safeguards. It calls on the Commission to assess the situation, initiate infringement procedures, and use the Rule of Law Toolbox to enforce the European Media Freedom Act. It also calls on Lithuania's ruling coalition to suspend or repeal politicised measures and ensure compliance with EU law. The resolution expresses solidarity with Lithuanian journalists and civil society, condemns ad personam legislation, and notes concerns about cumulative political pressure and the pace of legislative initiatives.

Key points

  1. Recognises the essential role of public service media in upholding EU values and countering disinformation.
  2. Calls on the Commission and Member States to support investigative journalism and protect journalists from political pressure.
  3. Expresses solidarity with Lithuanian journalists, the LRT, and civil society defending media freedom.
  4. Condemns all attempts to undermine LRT independence, including legislative and administrative measures.
  5. Considers the freezing and reduction of LRT funding as potential political pressure incompatible with constitutional guarantees and Article 5(3) EMFA.
  6. Considers proposed amendments lowering dismissal safeguards as risking arbitrary political interference and incompatible with Article 5(2) EMFA.
  7. Calls on the Commission to initiate infringement procedures for violations of EMFA Articles 3, 5, and 21.
  8. Underlines that accelerated legislative procedures lack objective grounds and fail transparency and inclusiveness standards.
  9. Strongly condemns ad personam legislation targeting individuals for independent professional activities.
  10. Notes concern about cumulative political pressure through audits and inspections, and calls for cessation.
  11. Calls on Lithuania's ruling coalition to suspend or repeal politicised measures and minimise political influence in LRT Council formation.
  12. Welcomes Venice Commission involvement and calls for its opinion to be taken into account.

Who is affected

  • Lithuania's public broadcaster LRT and its journalists, who face political pressure and funding cuts.
  • Lithuania's ruling coalition and parliament (Seimas), called to suspend or repeal measures and ensure compliance.
  • The European Commission, called to assess, initiate infringement procedures, and use the Rule of Law Toolbox.
  • The President of Lithuania, whose influence in LRT Council appointments is called to be lessened.

Figures and deadlines

  • Two thirds (8 out of 12) of LRT Council members are appointed by political authorities.
  • More than 140,000 citizens signed a public petition opposing the legislative initiatives.
  • Tens of thousands demonstrated in Vilnius on 9 December 2025 and from 16 to 18 December 2025.

Legal basis: Articles 2 and 7 of the Treaty on European Union; Articles 114 and 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights