Tusk: strategic state-protected companies to include major TV stations

"We want to protect our nation and the European Union from election interference, attempts to take over or manipulate the functioning of our media," Tusk stated.

To this end, the PM explained, the government will strengthen its cybersecurity cooperation with Estonia and other partners.

Tusk revealed that the Council of Ministers will issue a decree next week to finalize this decision and end speculation surrounding it. This regulation will add television broadcasters TVN and Polsat to the list of strategic companies.

These entities will now be protected against acquisitions deemed harmful to Poland's national interests. "This decision means that without the approval of the Polish government, no one will be able to take over or purchase the companies on this strategic list," Tusk clarified.

The move comes in response to growing concerns over foreign interference in national affairs, citing examples from countries like Romania and Moldova. "We will not allow hostile states to brazenly interfere in our daily lives, economy, or electoral processes," Tusk declared firmly.

This decision underscores Poland’s commitment to maintaining control over its key assets and ensuring the integrity of its media landscape against potential threats.

U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Mark Brzezinski, commented on the issue on the X social media platform. "Pluralism of the media is a cornerstone of democracy. I understand how much Poles value access to free and diverse media," he wrote.

"In the face of global challenges posed by foreign and harmful interference, it is essential for governments to take measures to protect their strategic infrastructure from potential threats to national security," Brzezinski added.

Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Digitalization Krzysztof Gawkowski said on X: "There will be no tolerance for spreading disinformation in Poland."

"TVN and Polsat will be included in the list of strategic companies next week, and additional safeguards regarding cyberspace and disinformation will follow soon," he wrote on X.

According to Minister of the Interior Tomasz Siemoniak, "the largest television stations are now as strategic for Poland as the energy and fuel sectors."

"Democracy and the rule of law must be defended," he wrote on X.

Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia is awaiting "operational details" of the regulation announced by the Prime Minister, and emphasized that his opinion on the matter will depend on those details.

He highlighted that the state should not take over free media, but if "the enemy of the Polish state seeks to destabilize them through disinformation, propaganda, or poisoning the flow of information in Poland, the state has the right to respond."

Hołownia added that, especially considering next year's presidential elections, "we must pay heightened attention to any attempts by our opponents - mainly from the East - to interfere with the democratic process in Poland."

The meeting between Tusk and Michal also touched on the future of Ukraine and the broader region. The Polish PM shared updates from a recent conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, noting plans for reciprocal visits in the near future. These exchanges will coincide with Poland assuming the presidency of the European Union in early 2024.

Both Tusk and Michal highlighted the necessity of a fair resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the role of solidarity in ensuring a secure and stable future for the region. The leaders reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to fortifying NATO’s defense plans, supporting Ukraine, and imposing additional sanctions on Russia, particularly targeting its energy sector.

Prime Minister Michal praised Poland's initiative to deepen cybersecurity collaboration and emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine. He stressed that NATO’s recently adopted defense plans must be complemented with real capabilities, calling for increased investment in Europe’s military infrastructure.

Michal also advocated for more robust sanctions against Russia to weaken its ability to sustain its war efforts.

This meeting marked Michal’s first visit to Warsaw as Estonia’s Prime Minister, following his appointment in July 2023. His tenure comes at a critical juncture, as Europe navigates security challenges and strengthens its defense posture against external threats.