European institutions spend much of their time, and a lot of taxpayer money, on concerning themselves with the problems they see with the current state of the media. Whether it’s concentration of ownership, the downturn in revenues or the gradual transition from print to online news.

In addition to the EU’s concern with it’s internal media industry. The EU focusses on the promotion of democracy outside its borders, a major pillar of which is a freely functioning press. Indeed, The Vice President of the European Parliament, Edward McMillian-Scott MEP, focusses much of his energy on the promotion of human rights in China with a focus on freedom of speech.

Against this backdrop, it is shocking to hear that one of the EU’s own member states, Romania, has issued a report citing the media as a potential threat to national security. The report, issued by the Romanian Supreme Defense Council, highlights:

"The phenomenon of ordered media campaigns aiming at denigrating state institutions by means of spreading false information on their activity; the pressures exercised by media companies on political decisions aiming at obtaining economic advantage or advantage in their relation with state institutions"

The report is being seen as a huge blow to the media in Romania as it specifically targets investigative journalism and organisations that favour the opposition.

Perhaps the EU should be more focussed on press freedom within its own borders and spend less time trying to set up its own media outlets.