The EBU welcomes the adoption of the European Parliament resolution on Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) obligations in the transatlantic dialogue. Following months of criticism from the US administration and major American stakeholders towards Europe’s digital and media regulations, the European Parliament has taken a strong stance to reaffirm its commitment to protecting the EU’s rulebook. 

“At a time when Europe’s digital and media rules are increasingly challenged based on misleading and sometimes even false claims, Members of the European Parliament are stepping up to ensure Europe’s standards are upheld. With this resolution, the European Parliament sets the record straight: the AVMSD does not discriminate against media outlets from specific jurisdictions. It establishes equal obligations and opportunities for all media providers operating in the EU – whether European, American, or international", said Wouter Gekiere, Head of the EBU’s Brussels office. 

The resolution highlights the AVMSD’s pivotal role in creating a single market for media and advancing public interest objectives, such as cultural diversity and media pluralism. Crucially, it calls on the European Commission, Member States, and the Council to defend the AVMSD and the EU’s "cultural exception" in international trade negotiations. The Parliament emphasizes the need to exclude audiovisual media services from trade deals, ensuring the EU and its Member States retain their capacity to define and implement cultural and media policies.

The EBU encourages the European Commission and the Member States to align with the European Parliament on safeguarding the AVMSD and other key media sector laws from third-country pressure. 

“By defending Europe’s media and digital acquis against undue pressure from third countries, the EU will reinforce its global leadership in promoting cultural diversity, independent journalism, and media freedom”, added Wouter Gekiere.