By Martin Banks - 25th January 2011
The fact that also fundamental rights are concerned here does not change the competence
Viviane Reding
Viviane Reding has hit back at criticism that she has been "dragging her feet" in her response to Hungary's controversial media law.
Reding, who is responsible for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship, has come under fire from MEPs and others for failing to attend a parliamentary committee meeting in Strasbourg last week where the law was debated.
She came under renewed attack when she did not attend an informal ministerial meeting in Hungary last Friday where the issue was again under discussion.
The commission is currently considering if the Hungarian legislation complies with EU law before deciding what action to take.
Reding's critics, however, have accused her of remaining "silent" on the media issue despite an international outcry.
They have contrast her alleged "silence" on the affair with her outspoken and widely-reported comments on France's treatment of Roma people.
However, she has responded by writing to the chair of parliament's civil liberties committee defending her position.
In the letter to MEP Lopez Aguilar, Reding accepts that the matter is "very important" and that the European commission is "following this issue closely."
She writes, "The collegiate position of the commission will be expressed by the competent portfolio commissioner, in this case vice president Neelie Kroes.
"The fact that also fundamental rights are concerned here does not change the competence."
It goes on, "Let me furthermore underline that the role of the commission in this matter is of a legal nature.
"The legal analysis which the commission is performing is based on the transposition and the application of the audiovisual media services directive which is under the responsibility of Mrs Kroes.
"I am, of course, fully prepared to address issues of media freedom and other fundamental rights during our regular dialogue."
An aide to Reding told this website, "Kroes and Reding are working closely together with their respective services.
"Reding was involved in the Roma issue with France because she is in charge of the free movement of the citizens' directive. It was France's implementation of this directive that was the problem."
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