SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 8
Download to read offline
Soft law instruments: a starting point or
an easy way out?

Prepared for European Union Competencies in
respect of Media Pluralism and Media Freedom –
Policy Conference
Fiesole, 29th October 2012

Federica Casarosa – European University Institute
Outline of the presentation

 Short description of soft law

 Soft law in the European context
 Criteria for the selection of soft law instruments

 Few suggestions
Soft law instruments: evanescent definition

 Different definitions of soft law
        Soft law concerns rules of conduct which, in principle, have no legal binding
         force but which nevertheless may have practical effects (Snyder, 1994)

        Soft law concerns committments which are more than policy statements
         but less than law in its strict sense. They have in common, without being
         binding as a matter of law, a certain proximity to the law or a certain legal
         relevance (Thurer, 1990)

 Three main features
        Rules of conduct

        No or limited binding force

        But some practical effect or influence over behaviours
Soft law available in EU toolkit

 Preparatory or informative instruments
    Green papers, White papers, action programmes, etc.
    Inter-institutional communications

 Interpretative and decisional instruments
    Interpretative communications and notices, decisional guidelines, codes and
     frameworks, etc.

 Formal and non-formal steering instruments
    Commission and Council recommendations, commission opinions
    Council decisions, declarations and conclusions, joint declarations and intr-
     institutional agreements, etc.
Scope of soft law instruments

 Depending on the objectives pursued, the instruments that can be
  selected to achieve it can be different.
 General objective is improving media pluralism

 However, several facets can be addressed
    External and internal pluralism
    Political and cultural pluralism
    Diversity (of output and of source)
    Independence
    …

 Which are the target subjects?
Few suggestions (1)

 Foster pluralism through existing institutional bodies
    Role of national regulatory authorities fora
        Contact Committee (art 29 AVMS)
            Facilitate effective implementation of the AVMS direcive, deliver
             opinions, discuss the outcomes of Commission consultations,
             facilitate exchange of information on the development of regulatory
             activities…
    Role of European Fundamental Rights Agency
        Current remit does not include media pluralism, nor more generally
         freedom of expression
        Difficult to extend it within the 5-year programme
Few suggestions (2)

 Take into account the technological convergence
    Increasing role for citizens/users voice
    Emergence of new intermediaries

    Modification of supply chain points towards propertarisation of
      content
    What place for citizens’ voices?
    Subsidising citizen participation in public service media

    How to protect and support citizens’ voices in e.g. content
      aggregators?
Few suggestions (3)

 Address attection to private regulation

       Significant role for private regulation (both self- and co-
         regulation) in all media sectors
       Guidelines addressing key characteristics of private regulation
          Regulatory independence, fair enforcement procedures,
            etc.
          E.g. Involving DG Connect on the blueprint of what
            already done by DG SANCO for health issues in food
            marketing for children

More Related Content

Similar to Prepared for European Union Competencies in respect of Media Pluralism and Media Freedom – Policy Conference

LSE media policy project_Launch sept27
LSE media policy project_Launch sept27LSE media policy project_Launch sept27
LSE media policy project_Launch sept27LSEMediaPolicy
 
Uws ics presentation 21 june 2012
Uws ics presentation 21 june 2012Uws ics presentation 21 june 2012
Uws ics presentation 21 june 2012Terry Flew
 
advocacy and lobbying the EU
advocacy and lobbying the EUadvocacy and lobbying the EU
advocacy and lobbying the EUtamsin.rose
 
Independent Study on Indicators for Media Pluralism in the Member States – To...
Independent Study on Indicators for Media Pluralism in the Member States – To...Independent Study on Indicators for Media Pluralism in the Member States – To...
Independent Study on Indicators for Media Pluralism in the Member States – To...Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom
 
Impunity report -Legal aspects study
Impunity report -Legal aspects studyImpunity report -Legal aspects study
Impunity report -Legal aspects studyHadrian Cawthorne
 
Open consultation practices - an overview
Open consultation practices - an overviewOpen consultation practices - an overview
Open consultation practices - an overviewVassilis Giannakopoulos
 
Is Better Regulation about asking the right questions?
Is Better Regulation about asking the right questions?Is Better Regulation about asking the right questions?
Is Better Regulation about asking the right questions?tamsin.rose
 
Cprf presentation sydney 8 november_flew
Cprf presentation sydney 8 november_flewCprf presentation sydney 8 november_flew
Cprf presentation sydney 8 november_flewTerry Flew
 
UNESCO’s Division for Freedom of Expression, Democracy and Peace Report
UNESCO’s Division for Freedom of  Expression, Democracy and Peace ReportUNESCO’s Division for Freedom of  Expression, Democracy and Peace Report
UNESCO’s Division for Freedom of Expression, Democracy and Peace ReportAnax Fotopoulos
 
Report on current policies and regulatory frameworks
Report on current policies and regulatory frameworksReport on current policies and regulatory frameworks
Report on current policies and regulatory frameworksOles Kulchytskyy
 
Manual on public participation in the law making process
Manual on public participation in the law making processManual on public participation in the law making process
Manual on public participation in the law making processМЦМС | MCIC
 

Similar to Prepared for European Union Competencies in respect of Media Pluralism and Media Freedom – Policy Conference (20)

European Media Policies Revisited
European Media Policies RevisitedEuropean Media Policies Revisited
European Media Policies Revisited
 
LSE media policy project_Launch sept27
LSE media policy project_Launch sept27LSE media policy project_Launch sept27
LSE media policy project_Launch sept27
 
Uws ics presentation 21 june 2012
Uws ics presentation 21 june 2012Uws ics presentation 21 june 2012
Uws ics presentation 21 june 2012
 
CMPF Policy Report Presentation
CMPF Policy Report PresentationCMPF Policy Report Presentation
CMPF Policy Report Presentation
 
advocacy and lobbying the EU
advocacy and lobbying the EUadvocacy and lobbying the EU
advocacy and lobbying the EU
 
Independent Study on Indicators for Media Pluralism in the Member States – To...
Independent Study on Indicators for Media Pluralism in the Member States – To...Independent Study on Indicators for Media Pluralism in the Member States – To...
Independent Study on Indicators for Media Pluralism in the Member States – To...
 
Impunity report -Legal aspects study
Impunity report -Legal aspects studyImpunity report -Legal aspects study
Impunity report -Legal aspects study
 
Open consultation practices - an overview
Open consultation practices - an overviewOpen consultation practices - an overview
Open consultation practices - an overview
 
Social and Political Aspects of Media Pluralism and Media Freedom / Measuring...
Social and Political Aspects of Media Pluralism and Media Freedom / Measuring...Social and Political Aspects of Media Pluralism and Media Freedom / Measuring...
Social and Political Aspects of Media Pluralism and Media Freedom / Measuring...
 
Is Better Regulation about asking the right questions?
Is Better Regulation about asking the right questions?Is Better Regulation about asking the right questions?
Is Better Regulation about asking the right questions?
 
The Unbearable Lightness of Media Ownership Transparency
The Unbearable Lightness of Media Ownership TransparencyThe Unbearable Lightness of Media Ownership Transparency
The Unbearable Lightness of Media Ownership Transparency
 
Measuring Media Pluralism in Europe: Combining Legal, Economic and Socio-Demo...
Measuring Media Pluralism in Europe: Combining Legal, Economic and Socio-Demo...Measuring Media Pluralism in Europe: Combining Legal, Economic and Socio-Demo...
Measuring Media Pluralism in Europe: Combining Legal, Economic and Socio-Demo...
 
Cprf presentation sydney 8 november_flew
Cprf presentation sydney 8 november_flewCprf presentation sydney 8 november_flew
Cprf presentation sydney 8 november_flew
 
Dissertation
Dissertation Dissertation
Dissertation
 
TAI Launch
TAI LaunchTAI Launch
TAI Launch
 
UNESCO’s Division for Freedom of Expression, Democracy and Peace Report
UNESCO’s Division for Freedom of  Expression, Democracy and Peace ReportUNESCO’s Division for Freedom of  Expression, Democracy and Peace Report
UNESCO’s Division for Freedom of Expression, Democracy and Peace Report
 
Report on current policies and regulatory frameworks
Report on current policies and regulatory frameworksReport on current policies and regulatory frameworks
Report on current policies and regulatory frameworks
 
The Standards of the Council of Europe and an overview of the case law of the...
The Standards of the Council of Europe and an overview of the case law of the...The Standards of the Council of Europe and an overview of the case law of the...
The Standards of the Council of Europe and an overview of the case law of the...
 
Manual on public participation in the law making process
Manual on public participation in the law making processManual on public participation in the law making process
Manual on public participation in the law making process
 
GigaNet symposium
GigaNet symposiumGigaNet symposium
GigaNet symposium
 

More from Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom

Press publishers’right: expanding copyright on news and information on the in...
Press publishers’right: expanding copyright on news and information on the in...Press publishers’right: expanding copyright on news and information on the in...
Press publishers’right: expanding copyright on news and information on the in...Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom
 

More from Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (20)

Digitisation, democracy and the regulation of personal data use for political...
Digitisation, democracy and the regulation of personal data use for political...Digitisation, democracy and the regulation of personal data use for political...
Digitisation, democracy and the regulation of personal data use for political...
 
Polling data to assess election campaigns: Why polling aggregation helps you ...
Polling data to assess election campaigns: Why polling aggregation helps you ...Polling data to assess election campaigns: Why polling aggregation helps you ...
Polling data to assess election campaigns: Why polling aggregation helps you ...
 
Cryptoparty: encryption and data security for journalists
Cryptoparty: encryption and data security for journalistsCryptoparty: encryption and data security for journalists
Cryptoparty: encryption and data security for journalists
 
Press publishers’right: expanding copyright on news and information on the in...
Press publishers’right: expanding copyright on news and information on the in...Press publishers’right: expanding copyright on news and information on the in...
Press publishers’right: expanding copyright on news and information on the in...
 
Social media manipulation: algorithms, bots and computational propaganda
Social media manipulation: algorithms, bots and computational propagandaSocial media manipulation: algorithms, bots and computational propaganda
Social media manipulation: algorithms, bots and computational propaganda
 
Strengthening news media in the digital era: the EU approach
Strengthening news media in the digital era: the EU approachStrengthening news media in the digital era: the EU approach
Strengthening news media in the digital era: the EU approach
 
Governing Communications Online - German Perspective
Governing Communications Online - German PerspectiveGoverning Communications Online - German Perspective
Governing Communications Online - German Perspective
 
Journalism, Democracy, and the New Political Campaigns
Journalism, Democracy, and the New Political CampaignsJournalism, Democracy, and the New Political Campaigns
Journalism, Democracy, and the New Political Campaigns
 
Is the algorithm reliable? The collaboration between technology and humans in...
Is the algorithm reliable? The collaboration between technology and humans in...Is the algorithm reliable? The collaboration between technology and humans in...
Is the algorithm reliable? The collaboration between technology and humans in...
 
Fact-checking in the newsroom: best practices, open questions
Fact-checking in the newsroom: best practices, open questionsFact-checking in the newsroom: best practices, open questions
Fact-checking in the newsroom: best practices, open questions
 
How to make the perfect citizen: China’s social credit system
How to make the perfect citizen: China’s social credit systemHow to make the perfect citizen: China’s social credit system
How to make the perfect citizen: China’s social credit system
 
Artificial Intelligence, elections, media pluralism and media freedom
Artificial Intelligence, elections, media pluralism and media freedom Artificial Intelligence, elections, media pluralism and media freedom
Artificial Intelligence, elections, media pluralism and media freedom
 
Media Pluralism in Central - Eastern Europe
Media Pluralism in Central - Eastern EuropeMedia Pluralism in Central - Eastern Europe
Media Pluralism in Central - Eastern Europe
 
Media Pluralism Monitor 2017 in EU28, FYRoM, Serbia and Turkey - Key Findings...
Media Pluralism Monitor 2017 in EU28, FYRoM, Serbia and Turkey - Key Findings...Media Pluralism Monitor 2017 in EU28, FYRoM, Serbia and Turkey - Key Findings...
Media Pluralism Monitor 2017 in EU28, FYRoM, Serbia and Turkey - Key Findings...
 
Measuring Media Pluralism in Europe - Between Old Risk and New Threats
Measuring Media Pluralism in Europe - Between Old Risk and New ThreatsMeasuring Media Pluralism in Europe - Between Old Risk and New Threats
Measuring Media Pluralism in Europe - Between Old Risk and New Threats
 
New Threats to Media Pluralism in the Digital Age
New Threats to Media Pluralism in the Digital AgeNew Threats to Media Pluralism in the Digital Age
New Threats to Media Pluralism in the Digital Age
 
Political Control Over Media
Political Control Over MediaPolitical Control Over Media
Political Control Over Media
 
Ensuring Media Pluralism and Media Freedom through Data Protection: the new d...
Ensuring Media Pluralism and Media Freedom through Data Protection: the new d...Ensuring Media Pluralism and Media Freedom through Data Protection: the new d...
Ensuring Media Pluralism and Media Freedom through Data Protection: the new d...
 
UNESCO's Internet Universality Indicators (IUIs) - Adeline Hulin
UNESCO's Internet Universality Indicators (IUIs) - Adeline HulinUNESCO's Internet Universality Indicators (IUIs) - Adeline Hulin
UNESCO's Internet Universality Indicators (IUIs) - Adeline Hulin
 
Media Plurality and the Role of Regulators - Lubos Kuklis
Media Plurality and the Role of Regulators - Lubos KuklisMedia Plurality and the Role of Regulators - Lubos Kuklis
Media Plurality and the Role of Regulators - Lubos Kuklis
 

Recently uploaded

Transaction Management in Database Management System
Transaction Management in Database Management SystemTransaction Management in Database Management System
Transaction Management in Database Management SystemChristalin Nelson
 
Science 7 Quarter 4 Module 2: Natural Resources.pptx
Science 7 Quarter 4 Module 2: Natural Resources.pptxScience 7 Quarter 4 Module 2: Natural Resources.pptx
Science 7 Quarter 4 Module 2: Natural Resources.pptxMaryGraceBautista27
 
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️9953056974 Low Rate Call Girls In Saket, Delhi NCR
 
ACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdf
ACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdfACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdf
ACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdfSpandanaRallapalli
 
Grade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdf
Grade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdfGrade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdf
Grade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdfJemuel Francisco
 
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptxmary850239
 
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for ParentsChoosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parentsnavabharathschool99
 
FILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipino
FILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipinoFILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipino
FILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipinojohnmickonozaleda
 
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Mark Reed
 
Procuring digital preservation CAN be quick and painless with our new dynamic...
Procuring digital preservation CAN be quick and painless with our new dynamic...Procuring digital preservation CAN be quick and painless with our new dynamic...
Procuring digital preservation CAN be quick and painless with our new dynamic...Jisc
 
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY - GERBNER.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY -  GERBNER.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY -  GERBNER.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY - GERBNER.pptxiammrhaywood
 
Judging the Relevance and worth of ideas part 2.pptx
Judging the Relevance  and worth of ideas part 2.pptxJudging the Relevance  and worth of ideas part 2.pptx
Judging the Relevance and worth of ideas part 2.pptxSherlyMaeNeri
 
Concurrency Control in Database Management system
Concurrency Control in Database Management systemConcurrency Control in Database Management system
Concurrency Control in Database Management systemChristalin Nelson
 
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...Nguyen Thanh Tu Collection
 
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptxBarangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptxCarlos105
 
How to Add Barcode on PDF Report in Odoo 17
How to Add Barcode on PDF Report in Odoo 17How to Add Barcode on PDF Report in Odoo 17
How to Add Barcode on PDF Report in Odoo 17Celine George
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Transaction Management in Database Management System
Transaction Management in Database Management SystemTransaction Management in Database Management System
Transaction Management in Database Management System
 
Science 7 Quarter 4 Module 2: Natural Resources.pptx
Science 7 Quarter 4 Module 2: Natural Resources.pptxScience 7 Quarter 4 Module 2: Natural Resources.pptx
Science 7 Quarter 4 Module 2: Natural Resources.pptx
 
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
 
ACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdf
ACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdfACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdf
ACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdf
 
Grade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdf
Grade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdfGrade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdf
Grade 9 Quarter 4 Dll Grade 9 Quarter 4 DLL.pdf
 
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
4.18.24 Movement Legacies, Reflection, and Review.pptx
 
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for ParentsChoosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
Choosing the Right CBSE School A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
 
FILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipino
FILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipinoFILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipino
FILIPINO PSYCHology sikolohiyang pilipino
 
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
 
Procuring digital preservation CAN be quick and painless with our new dynamic...
Procuring digital preservation CAN be quick and painless with our new dynamic...Procuring digital preservation CAN be quick and painless with our new dynamic...
Procuring digital preservation CAN be quick and painless with our new dynamic...
 
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY - GERBNER.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY -  GERBNER.pptxAUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY -  GERBNER.pptx
AUDIENCE THEORY -CULTIVATION THEORY - GERBNER.pptx
 
Judging the Relevance and worth of ideas part 2.pptx
Judging the Relevance  and worth of ideas part 2.pptxJudging the Relevance  and worth of ideas part 2.pptx
Judging the Relevance and worth of ideas part 2.pptx
 
Concurrency Control in Database Management system
Concurrency Control in Database Management systemConcurrency Control in Database Management system
Concurrency Control in Database Management system
 
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
HỌC TỐT TIẾNG ANH 11 THEO CHƯƠNG TRÌNH GLOBAL SUCCESS ĐÁP ÁN CHI TIẾT - CẢ NĂ...
 
YOUVE_GOT_EMAIL_PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
YOUVE_GOT_EMAIL_PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptxYOUVE_GOT_EMAIL_PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
YOUVE_GOT_EMAIL_PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
 
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
 
LEFT_ON_C'N_ PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
LEFT_ON_C'N_ PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptxLEFT_ON_C'N_ PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
LEFT_ON_C'N_ PRELIMS_EL_DORADO_2024.pptx
 
Raw materials used in Herbal Cosmetics.pptx
Raw materials used in Herbal Cosmetics.pptxRaw materials used in Herbal Cosmetics.pptx
Raw materials used in Herbal Cosmetics.pptx
 
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptxBarangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Orientation.pptx
 
How to Add Barcode on PDF Report in Odoo 17
How to Add Barcode on PDF Report in Odoo 17How to Add Barcode on PDF Report in Odoo 17
How to Add Barcode on PDF Report in Odoo 17
 

Prepared for European Union Competencies in respect of Media Pluralism and Media Freedom – Policy Conference

  • 1. Soft law instruments: a starting point or an easy way out? Prepared for European Union Competencies in respect of Media Pluralism and Media Freedom – Policy Conference Fiesole, 29th October 2012 Federica Casarosa – European University Institute
  • 2. Outline of the presentation  Short description of soft law  Soft law in the European context  Criteria for the selection of soft law instruments  Few suggestions
  • 3. Soft law instruments: evanescent definition  Different definitions of soft law  Soft law concerns rules of conduct which, in principle, have no legal binding force but which nevertheless may have practical effects (Snyder, 1994)  Soft law concerns committments which are more than policy statements but less than law in its strict sense. They have in common, without being binding as a matter of law, a certain proximity to the law or a certain legal relevance (Thurer, 1990)  Three main features  Rules of conduct  No or limited binding force  But some practical effect or influence over behaviours
  • 4. Soft law available in EU toolkit  Preparatory or informative instruments  Green papers, White papers, action programmes, etc.  Inter-institutional communications  Interpretative and decisional instruments  Interpretative communications and notices, decisional guidelines, codes and frameworks, etc.  Formal and non-formal steering instruments  Commission and Council recommendations, commission opinions  Council decisions, declarations and conclusions, joint declarations and intr- institutional agreements, etc.
  • 5. Scope of soft law instruments  Depending on the objectives pursued, the instruments that can be selected to achieve it can be different.  General objective is improving media pluralism  However, several facets can be addressed  External and internal pluralism  Political and cultural pluralism  Diversity (of output and of source)  Independence  …  Which are the target subjects?
  • 6. Few suggestions (1)  Foster pluralism through existing institutional bodies  Role of national regulatory authorities fora  Contact Committee (art 29 AVMS)  Facilitate effective implementation of the AVMS direcive, deliver opinions, discuss the outcomes of Commission consultations, facilitate exchange of information on the development of regulatory activities…  Role of European Fundamental Rights Agency  Current remit does not include media pluralism, nor more generally freedom of expression  Difficult to extend it within the 5-year programme
  • 7. Few suggestions (2)  Take into account the technological convergence  Increasing role for citizens/users voice  Emergence of new intermediaries  Modification of supply chain points towards propertarisation of content  What place for citizens’ voices?  Subsidising citizen participation in public service media  How to protect and support citizens’ voices in e.g. content aggregators?
  • 8. Few suggestions (3)  Address attection to private regulation  Significant role for private regulation (both self- and co- regulation) in all media sectors  Guidelines addressing key characteristics of private regulation  Regulatory independence, fair enforcement procedures, etc.  E.g. Involving DG Connect on the blueprint of what already done by DG SANCO for health issues in food marketing for children