These guidelines refer to priorities and strategies of the EU in promoting the respect of media freedom in enlargement countries. Freedom of expression is a fundamental right safeguarded by international law, including the European Convention on Human Rights, and forms an integral part of the functioning of a pluralistic democracy. In the context of the European Enlargement policy, the European Commission is obliged by the Copenhagen political criteria to make a full assessment and conclude if there is real respect and true commitment to promoting freedom of expression in the given aspiring country.