Two Polish MEPs from the European People's Party (PPE), Łukasz Kohut and Krzysztof Brejza, have raised concerns about the planned launch of Newsmax Polska, a television channel backed by Serbian state-owned Telekom Srbija, which they say was previously co-financed by Russian bank Sberbank. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 9 April 2026, they ask the European Commission what actions it will take to prevent Russian interference in EU member states' media landscapes and whether it will monitor the situation and intervene if media freedom is threatened.
The MEPs point to Serbia's declining press freedom—ranking 98th in Reporters Without Borders' 2024 World Press Freedom Index—and to European Parliament reports calling for improved media diversity and pluralism in Serbia. They argue that the entry of a non-EU entity with ties to Russia into the Polish media market poses a risk to media freedom and pluralism, which are protected under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Media Freedom Act.
Concrete asks and policy orientation The question does not set numerical targets or deadlines but requests the Commission to outline specific measures it will take under existing legal tools, including the European Media Freedom Act, to counter potential Russian interference. The MEPs' orientation is clearly precautionary: they seek to ensure that the Commission proactively monitors foreign ownership of media outlets in member states and is prepared to act if media freedom is threatened.
Expected follow-up The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it views the Newsmax Polska launch as a matter of concern under EU media law and what steps, if any, it plans to take to safeguard media pluralism in Poland.
Stakeholders impacted - Polish media consumers: Could face reduced diversity or exposure to content influenced by non-EU interests. - Polish media regulators: May need to assess compliance with EU media freedom rules. - Newsmax Polska and Telekom Srbija: The channel's launch could be delayed or subject to conditions if the Commission intervenes. - EU institutions: The question tests the Commission's willingness to use the European Media Freedom Act to address foreign interference risks.
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