The European Broadcasting Union has again raised concerns about Lithuanian legislative proposals that would change the procedure for dismissing the Director General of Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT), warning the draft could undermine the broadcaster’s institutional independence.
In a letter to the European Commissioner for Democracy, Michael McGrath, the EBU said the measures being considered by the Seimas risk sending “the wrong signal” to the public, and argued the draft still weakens safeguards despite minor revisions.
The EBU’s latest intervention follows a 5 December statement backed by a group of Central and Eastern European public service media, after the Seimas advanced draft amendments at first reading.
Among the points criticised are proposals to lower the council voting threshold required to dismiss the Director General and to move to secret ballots, alongside broader and less clearly defined grounds for dismissal, which the EBU says increases the risk of political interference and reduces transparency.
The EBU also linked the proposals to concerns over LRT’s funding environment, following a separate parliamentary move to freeze the broadcaster’s budget for 2026–2028.
The EBU urged the European Commission to monitor developments and called on Lithuanian authorities to ensure any changes are developed through open and inclusive consultation, with safeguards aligned to the European Media Freedom Act.
