Borrell condemns Russia’s “totally unfounded” decision to shut down the sites of more than 80 Union media outlets

Brussels – “The EU condemns the totally unfounded decision by the Russian authorities to block access to over eighty European media in Russia,” the Union’s High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell said 24 hours after the news broke that the Kremlin decided to block the viewing of 81 Western media in the territory of the Federation.

“This decision further restricts access to free and independent information and expands the already severe media censorship in Russia. The banned European media work according to journalistic principles and standards. They give factual information, also to Russian audiences, including on Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine,” he added.

“In contrast, the Russian disinformation and propaganda outlets, against which the EU has introduced restrictive measures, do not represent a free and independent media. Their broadcasting activities in the EU have been suspended because these outlets are under the control of the Russian authorities and they are instrumental in supporting the war of aggression against Ukraine,” he said.

Respect for freedom of expression and the media “is a core value for the EU,” Borrell concluded, “and the Union will continue to support the availability of factual information also to audiences in Russia.”

One EU country, probably Hungary, reportedly did not approve this statement, which was shared with the 27 before it was released.