Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1513303
16 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 DECEMBER 2023 EUROPEAN Parliament President Roberta Metsola had acknowl- edged that when it comes to sur- veillance on journalists, spyware cannot be completely off the table. Metsola was addressing EU lead- ers on Thursday, 24 hours before lengthy negotiations between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission hammered out a compromise deal on the Eu- ropean Media Freedom Act. Minutes of the meeting seen by MaltaToday show that Metsola told EU leaders that spying on jour- nalists should not be legitimised but called for safeguards since surveillance cannot be completely banned. Metsola's comments made be- hind closed doors were also picked up by the Brussels-based news por- tal Politico. The backroom negotiations on the Media Freedom Act had re- cently made headlines locally, as Malta was among seven EU states that supported the French position in favour of a clause that authorised surveillance of journalists if this can protect national security. The term national security was too broad to afford any comfort for journalists and media freedom campaigners. In a memo seen by this newspa- per, France had emphasised that the exclusion clause is key to ensur- ing national and European security, while noting that such surveillance activities should be "strictly con- trolled by national authorities." On Friday, Metsola announced on X, formerly Twitter, that an agreement had been reached on the act, and that the new version of the act did not mention national se- curity concerns as justification for surveillance on journalists. This is the first comprehensive media freedom law that all of the EU's member states will be able to instantly implement. The Commit- tee of the Permanent Represent- atives of the Governments of the Member States to the European Union must still ratify this week's accord on Wednesday. According to the newly amended act, member states could monitor journalists, so long as they are abid- ing by national or EU law, is author- ised by a judicial or independent and impartial authority, and is "jus- tified on a case-by-case basis by an overriding reason of public interest and is proportionate." Meanwhile, the European Feder- ation of Journalists (EFJ) welcomed the revised act, describing it as "a victory for all defenders of press freedom and democracy." Brussels introduced the EU's Media Freedom Act last year in response to mounting pressure on journalists in member states like Poland and Hungary. After the European Parliament and member states at the EU Council formally ratify the draft document, it will become law. Spying on journalists cannot be eliminated completely, Metsola told European leaders The enchantment of special moments: Magical Christmas. from Monday 18 TH December Big on Quality, Lidl on Price Even though every effort has been made to ensure adequate supplies, these items may sell out quickly. Prices do not include decorative material. Prices are valid save errors or omissions. Deluxe Norwegian Salmon Smoked with 4 berries 1kg = € 44.90 4. 49 100g pack 1kg = € 6.24 4. 99 800g pack Deluxe Pandoro with Lemon Cream Made with barn eggs Deluxe Christmas Tea 1kg = € 44.33/39.90 3. 99 90/100g pack Visit our stores and discover a lot of Deluxe specialties fridge section 2. 19 190g pack 1kg = € 11.53 Deluxe Tuna Pesto With pistachios and lemon NEW! MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt