The EU's message of “free speech” adorns the walls of Swedish public transport. At the same time, critics point to a growing gap between the words of the campaign and the actual policies of the Union. Is the EU really a guarantor of freedom and democracy?
Passengers on Swedish public transport are now greeted by large EU posters with messages such as “The free word” and “Protect what is important”. The campaign is part of the European Commission's wager “Protecting what matters: our democracy” and appears on digital advertising screens in several cities. The campaign is not limited to Sweden, but runs throughout the EU.
The aim is to highlight democracy, free media and freedom of expression as key values. The campaign is placed in environments where many people pass through on a daily basis, giving a broad impact without the recipient actively seeking the information.
The EU's own image: ”guarantor of freedom”
In the campaign material, the EU describes itself as a crucial guarantor of citizens' freedoms. A key claim reads:
“Thanks to democracy in the EU, we can use our freedoms every day - from scrolling through the news to watching our favorite shows or chatting with friends at the bar.”
It is also claimed:
“In the EU, you can say what you think because freedom of expression is protected.”
And on the role of the media:
“In the EU, the press is free to ask tough questions, to hold those in power to account.”
The message is consistent: the EU links its existence directly to the individual's freedom to speak, think and access information. However, this is something that EU citizens increasingly experience in reality.
Concrete examples that challenge the picture
At the same time, it points to critic on several concrete examples where EU policies are said to be moving in the opposite direction. A recurring focus is Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires platforms to actively restrict content that is classified as ”disinformation” or considered ”harmful”.
According to critics, this creates incentives for platforms to remove even legal content to avoid fines. Examples cited include political statements, satire and criticism of political decisions, which in some cases have been flagged or led to action by authorities in EU countries.
There are also cases where politicians and individuals have been investigated or prosecuted for statements made on social media, which critics say raises questions about the line between law and freedom of expression.
Free media - but increased pressure
The campaign highlights free and independent media as a fundamental pillar. At the same time, it is pointed out that the EU is gaining more influence over the media landscape through legislation and economic instruments.
Criticisms include the fact that regulations and funding programs risk influencing which actors are given space and which perspectives are prioritized. Sanctions against certain media channels and journalists are also mentioned as examples of measures that are considered difficult to reconcile with the message of full media freedom.
Moreover, experience in Sweden shows that the media cannot be classified as ”free”. On the one hand, individual media houses such as Bonnier, Schibsted and Stampen have bought up a huge part of the media market, with the result that a small number of players control the media offering. It is also their media that receive ”media subsidies”, tax money that should go to their activities.
The media that are truly free, that are not controlled by any media house and that dare to criticize power, are subjected to various forms of persecution. Frihetsnytt is one of these and has been repeatedly vilified by politically correct media. We have also, like several other media, had our bank account closed, twice!
”Democracy” - but power is shifting away from voters
EU emphasizes The campaign emphasizes the importance of citizen empowerment and participation in elections. At the same time, critics highlight what is often described as a “democratic deficit”, where decisions are shifted from national parliaments to EU institutions.
The European Commission, which is not directly elected, has the exclusive right to initiate legislation. In addition, many decisions are taken by majority vote, meaning that individual countries can have their line overruled on issues such as migration, climate policy and digital regulation.
This is highlighted as an example of a development where the distance between voters and decision-making power is increasing, while the campaign emphasizes the influence of the individual.
The revelation of several serious corruption scandals at the heart of the European Parliament and the direct access of thousands of lobbyists to those in power contradicts the picture that is being painted.
Selective application of “rule of law”
The campaign highlights the EU's work in defending the rule of law. At the same time, critics point out that in some cases economic sanctions and legal proceedings are used selectively against member states.
Examples cited include the freezing of EU funds to countries such as Hungary, where critics see the measures as politically motivated rather than merely legal. At the same time, others argue that similar problems in other member states do not meet the same response.
Growing debate outside the mainstream media
Despite its visibility, the campaign has received limited attention in traditional media. Instead, the discussion has mainly taken place on social media, where images of the posters are shared alongside criticism and questioning.
The debate revolves around a central question: how well the EU's self-image as a guarantor of freedom and democracy matches up with concrete decisions and laws.
The campaign continues to be rolled out in Swedish urban environments, while serving as a starting point for a broader discussion on freedom of expression, power and democracy in the EU.
The campaign is straight out of the book 1984. Freedom is slavery, weakness is strength. A rare hypocrisy from the EU Parliament. Good compilation Victor!!!
The EU only preserves its own power while increasing the oppression of ordinary people and punishing more and more who do not fall in line.