Brussels, 28 July 2022 (MIA) – European Commission Spokesperson Peter Stano said Thursday freedom of expression and freedom of media is key for the progress of all countries in the EU negotiations, MIA reports from Brussels. “Countries in the accession process are expected, during the process of preparing for membership, to take on board all the values and principles of the European Union,” Stano told a daily press briefing when asked by MIA about North Macedonia’s top officials criticizing those who spoke against the French proposal. He said this is something the EU is founded on and added that freedom of expression and freedom of media is one of the key parts. “Based on how countries are performing in this regard, they will be judged in the accession process, in the negotiations process, and this will also determine the speed with which they are progressing towards the final goal – EU membership. I can only recall our numerous appeals on all political leaders, politicians and actors in those countries to be aware of this, to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric, to refrain from undermining of media and limiting the space for independent journalism, media and journalistic work, because this is something the EU, the Commission and member-states are watching very, very closely,” said Stano.