The Venice Commission is set to convene for a plenary session where it will deliberate on draft conclusions regarding amendments to the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) law. This follows a January visit to Lithuania by the Commission's delegation, during which they assessed potential threats to media freedom linked to the government's decision to freeze LRT's funding for three years. Additionally, there has been an unsuccessful attempt to ease the process for dismissing the head of LRT, heightening concerns about political influence over the media.

During the session, comments will be presented by the Social Democrat representative Indrė Kižienė and Arthur Zuokas from the Mixed Group of the Seimas, alongside the head of the national broadcaster, Monika Garbačiauskaitė-Budrienė. Notably, the opposition in the Seimas has pointed out that their perspectives will not be reflected in the discussions, since although Zuokas is not formally part of the ruling party, he supports their stance on the issue affecting LRT, illustrating the ongoing political dynamics at play.

The Venice Commission serves as an advisory body of constitutional law experts under the Council of Europe, comprising 61 member states. The importance of this meeting lies not only in its implications for LRT but also in the broader context of media freedom and political discourse in Lithuania, as these developments could influence public trust in state institutions and the integrity of media outlets.