Thousands of Lithuanians gathered outside parliament in Vilnius on Wednesday to oppose changes to the public broadcaster law, reviving a movement that drew mass protests in December. The demonstrations signal growing public unease about potential erosion of media independence in the Baltic state. The law's proposed amendments, which remain unclear in detail, are viewed by critics as a step toward government control over state media operations.

The European Union has raised concerns about the legislation, viewing it as a potential threat to democratic standards in Lithuania. The EU's involvement adds international pressure on the government to reconsider the measures. The protests highlight tensions between Lithuania's government and its citizens over media governance, with activists fearing the changes could undermine press freedom and journalistic autonomy.

While the government maintains the reforms aim to improve broadcaster efficiency, opponents argue they concentrate power in the hands of political appointees. The ongoing dispute underscores broader challenges facing media independence across Eastern Europe. The outcome could set a precedent for how EU member states balance state interests with democratic media principles.