The European Union has noted with concern that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has decided to let the broadcasting license for Radio Caracas Television (RCTV) expire on 27 May without holding an open competition for the successor license. The European Union believes it is important to recall the promises made by the Venezuelan authorities regarding an open competition and a tender process for that same licence.
The European Union shares with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela a belief in democratic values. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are essential elements of democracy. The European Union expects therefore that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will uphold these freedoms and support pluralism in the diffusion of information.
