Where the law stands, Dossier 2026/2568(RSP)
Attempted takeover of Lithuania’s public broadcaster and the threat to democracy in Lithuania
Resolution on a topical subject (RSP): Parliament states its view. It is not binding. · First reading
A resolution tabled by political groups, usually on an urgent matter or in reaction to a statement by the Commission or Council. Not binding.
Where it stands
Parliament’s position
Parliament adopted the text on 22 January 2026. This is its final position on the matter.
- Tabled for plenary(done)
- Plenary vote(done) Adopted 22 January 2026
- Parliament’s position(done) Final
Decided in plenary
22 January 2026 · decision 10
Digital, AI & data, Resolution
Attempted takeover of Lithuania’s public broadcaster and the threat to democracy in Lithuania
Adopted 385 for · 165 against · 35 abstained by a large majority
AI summary:The text expresses concern about amendments to the LRT Law that ease dismissal of the director general and freeze the broadcaster's budget, saying they breach EU media freedom rules.
What changed
Latest Tabled for plenary → Adopted by Parliament
AI summary:The versions differ only in formal points: punctuation and decimal separator formatting are updated.
Tabled for plenary → Tabled for plenary
AI summary:The resolution now explicitly links the LRT crisis to hybrid warfare and adds a paragraph on Russian interference. It strengthens condemnation of ad personam legislation and calls for rejecting pending amendments, including lowering dismissal thresholds. It adds details on the Venice Commission's urgent opinion and visit, and on the audit's positive findings. It updates recitals on the Prime Minister's resignation, the audit, and the budget freeze, and adds new recitals on protests and a working group. The other changes are formal or wording: rephrasing, minor edits, and updated forwarding instructions.
The text, version by version
Newest first.
Adopted by Parliament· 22 Jan 2026
AI summary:This resolution condemns attempts to undermine the independence of Lithuania's public broadcaster LRT through funding freezes and changes to dismissal rules, and urges the Seimas to reject pending amendments.
Tabled for plenary· 20 Jan 2026
Tabled for plenary· 19 Jan 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0070/2026
AI summary:This resolution addresses the attempted takeover of Lithuania's public broadcaster (LRT) and the threat to democracy in Lithuania. It condemns legislative and administrative measures that undermine LRT independence, including funding freezes and reduced dismissal safeguards.
Tabled for plenary· 19 Jan 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0075/2026
AI summary:This resolution expresses serious concern about Lithuanian amendments to the LRT law that ease dismissal of the director general and freeze the broadcaster's budget, saying they breach EU media freedom rules.
Tabled for plenary· 19 Jan 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0073/2026
AI summary:This resolution condemns attempts to undermine the independence of Lithuania's public broadcaster LRT through funding cuts and weakened dismissal safeguards, and calls on the Commission to assess and act against these measures.
Tabled for plenary· 19 Jan 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0078/2026
AI summary:This resolution addresses the attempted takeover of Lithuania's public broadcaster LRT and the threat to democracy in Lithuania. It reaffirms media freedom and the rule of law, stresses Lithuania's competence while recalling EU law compliance, and calls for continued work and cooperation with the Venice Commission.
Tabled for plenary· 19 Jan 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0076/2026
AI summary:This resolution expresses concern about changes to the governance of Lithuania's public broadcaster (LRT) made by the former ruling coalition after the 2024 Seimas elections, replacing the simple majority appointment procedure with a two-thirds qualified majority and abolishing the secret ballot.
Tabled for plenary· 19 Jan 2026
Motion for a resolution B10-0072/2026
AI summary:This resolution addresses the attempted takeover of Lithuania's public broadcaster LRT and threats to democracy. It supports Lithuanian reforms to improve governance and accountability while safeguarding LRT's independence, and condemns Poland's 2023 public media takeover.
Tabled for plenary· 19 Jan 2026
Timeline
Newest first.
Plenary stage 3 steps
22 January 2026
Plenary vote
Sitting of 22 Jan 2026 Motion for a resolution B10-0070/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0072/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0073/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0074/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0075/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0076/2026Motion for a resolution B10-0078/2026Adopted text TA10-0024/2026
21 January 2026
Debated in plenary
MEPs debated the text in the chamber ahead of the vote.
20 January 2026
10 amendments tabled for the plenary vote
Groups propose changes to the tabled text; each is voted on before the final vote.
Official record: Legislative Observatory, 2026/2568(RSP)