The French broadcasting regulator Arcom is due to rule on whether Eutelsat is following sanctions introduced following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
It follows a string of requests from Non-Governmental Organisations that it should take action against the Paris-based satellite operator.
In December 2022, Eutelsat cease the retransmission of three channels, Rossiya One, Pervyi Kanal and NTV after being ordered to do so by Arcom.
However, it still holds contracts with the army’s broadcasting unit Zvezda and the state-owned media holding company VGTRK.
The Diderot Committee, a French non-governmental organisation that promotes the restoration of the free flow of information between Europe and Russia, says the contracts do not comply with the current sanctions regime.
“We also insist on the fact that the sanctions do not only concern Eutelsat, but that Arcom must also ensure that Internet operators, and in particular access providers, comply with them,” said a statement released by the Committee.
“Everything could go much faster if the various operators themselves took the initiative to comply with European sanctions. These are immediately applicable and, in principle, do not require the intervention of national authorities.”
Eutelsat maintains it is in compliance with the sanctions.
