EU report criticises Czech conflict-of-interest rules

The European Commission says Czechia has made insufficient progress in strengthening conflict-of-interest rules, particularly regarding transparency over beneficial ownership. In its annual rule of law report, the Commission also raises concerns about media legislation, noting that a government proposal to abolish licence fees for public service broadcasters has sparked worries about the future financing and independence of Czech Television and Czech Radio. The report further says no additional progress has been made on reforms aimed at improving transparency in media ownership. The Commission publishes its rule of law assessment for all EU member states each year.