The EBU has held constructive talks with the Romanian government and public broadcaster TVR over last month’s suspension of member services to the latter.
In a statement, the EBU says during the meeting in Bucharest, held last Friday, May 6, the parties agreed that there were two issues: the outstanding debts of TVR towards the EBU and other parties as well as the more systemic problem of governance and lack of sustainable funding for TVR. It was agreed the latter, although requiring more time to be fixed, must be addressed as well in order to prevent a similar situation occurring in the future.
It also says it found out that a new media law is currently being prepared and agreed to provide analysis of the draft law based on best practice within its Member countries.
Potential solutions were explored and further discussions will take place as soon as possible.
EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre, who attended the talks, said: “It is regrettable that an extreme measure was needed to draw the attention of Romanian authorities to the urgency of this situation”.
Anca Dragu, Romania’s finance minister, added: “Taking into account the seriousness of the situation, we found it necessary to organize this meeting with all parties involved to find a solution in order to avoid new sanctions and I am speaking about the possibility of TVR being excluded from the EBU.”
