Liberties and human rights organizations in Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands and Slovenia have looked at how political advertising is regulated in their respective countries. We highlighted some of the key concerns that might affect free and fair elections and other fundamental values recognized in Article 2 TEU.
Unequal spending, uneven messaging
Political actors make use of different media, for example online media, print, radio or television, to reach out to their constituents and convince them that they are best suited to solve with their concerns. This is important: citizens must have the possibility to know the program of political candidates or the content of a referendum.
Read the full Liberties report on Regulation of Political Advertising in the EU
However, there are also risks associated with political advertising. Unequal spending – sometimes from obscure sources – enables one party to reach a wider audience. Political control over media, including public service media, can influence editorial decisions and favor one party over another. Targeted advertisements can be used to promise different things to different people and exclude certain groups of people from receiving their advertisements.
Online ads largely unregulated
Political advertisements are subject to a multitude of laws. Election laws usually regulate the spending of political parties, including rules on transparency, sanctions for infringements and election silence periods. Media laws ensure equal treatment, e.g. a fair allocation of air time political parties receive on national television and transparency on media ownership.
Three key issues identified
The European Commission wants to harmonize political advertising across the EU. It made a first step with a proposal presented in November 2021. It argues that political advertising is a cross-border issue (e.g. politicians can reach out to their constituency living abroad) and thus Article 114 of the TFEU, gives it the power to enact measures. Indeed, stricter transparency requirements are needed to ensure proper monitoring and enforcement.
Our report has identified three key issues that the selected countries face, namely:
1. outdated political advertising legislation;
2. weak oversight and enforcement authorities; and
3. obscure advertising practices by organizations close to political parties. Our report also formulates recommendations addressed to both the EU and the governments of the five Member States.
Also on Liberties:
Political Advertising On Social Media Threatens Our Democracies & Should Be Banned
Political Advertising: Tailored Political Ads Further Erode Democracy in Hungary
