What is the problem ?

The European audiovisual industry suffers from a trade deficit with the US industry of 6 to 7 billion Euros every year.

Why the EU Action is required? Promoting cultural diversity and creative content

The measures of promotion of distribution and production of European and independent audiovisual works in television and audiovisual on-demand services as set out in Articles 13, 16 and 17 of the AVMS Directive constitute an efficient instrument to promote creative content in Europe. They contribute therefore to the strengthening of the competitiveness of the European audiovisual industry and by doing so, to the promotion of cultural diversity and heritage in the EU.

What will the Commission do?

By the end of 2011:

• Work on the follow up of a study on the implementation of the provisions of the AVMS Directive concerning the promotion of European works in audiovisual media services. The Final Study Report is expected by the end of December 2011.
• Invite the Member States to report on the application of the provisions of the AVMS Directive relating to the promotion of European works in audiovisual media services in their countries.

In 2012:

• Adopt and publish the 1^st Communication on the application of Article 13 and 10^th Communication on the application of Articles 16 and 17 on the basis of the national reports submitted by the Member States.

Contact:

michael.niebel@ec.europa.eu