BRUSSELS (Reuters), – Monday’s European Union statement criticized a Polish law that critics said aims to suppress a news channel critical about the government. It poses serious risks for media freedom and pluralism.

This legislation was unintentionally passed quickly through parliament Friday. The bill would strengthen rules regarding foreign media ownership, specifically affecting TVN24’s ability to operate, as Discovery (NASDAQ 🙂 Inc is the owner.

A spokesperson for the European Commission said that they were following all developments “with concern” at a Brussels news conference.

He stated that EU member countries should ensure that their laws and policies don’t undermine their pledge to guarantee a free, independent, and diverse media industry.

While President Andrzej Duga has yet to sign the bill into law, it has damaged ties between NATO member Poland and America at a time when tensions are high in east Europe because of what some consider increased Russian assertiveness.

According to the European Commission, it will be closely following developments in Poland as the law could force changes in media company ownership structures.

The spokesperson stated that the vote on Friday placed further pressure on Poland’s media sector. It may result in the limitation of media freedom in Poland, where there has been growing politicization. He also noted nationwide protests over the weekend.

Poland’s Law and Justice (PiS), the ruling party of nationalist Law and Justice, has for many years claimed that foreign media outlets have too much power and distort public discourse.

Critics claim that the actions against foreign media organizations are part of an authoritarian agenda, which has placed Warsaw in conflict with Brussels regarding LGBT rights and reforms to the judiciary.