Audiovisual Media Services Directive obligations in the transatlantic dialogue

Question for oral answer O-000026/2025

to the Commission

Rule 142

Nela Riehl on behalf of the Committee on Culture and Education

Subject: Audiovisual Media Services Directive obligations in the transatlantic dialogue

The administration of US President Donald Trump has recently targeted as foreign trade barriers the provisions of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) applying to streaming industries. In particular, it has focused on the investment obligations aimed at promoting European content and cultural diversity and the requirement for the catalogues of providers of on-demand audiovisual media services to meet a quota of at least 30 % European works and give these works appropriate prominence. Furthermore, within the context of the ongoing trade negotiations, President Trump also stated his intention to impose a 100 % tax on films made outside the United States.

1.The AVMSD is the cornerstone of the EU’s audiovisual policy, aiming to create a single market for audiovisual media services in the EU while promoting cultural diversity. Does the Commission consider that backtracking on the principles of the AVMSD would be detrimental to the European cultural model, given the context of very strong international competition within the audiovisual sector?

2.Is the Commission in favour of recognising the crucial importance of the AVMSD and defending Europe’s cultural sovereignty and diversity and the soft power of the EU, both in its negotiations with the United States and in evaluating the AVMSD prior to its potential review in 2026?

Submitted: 22.7.2025

Lapses: 23.10.2025