FNE and UNIC Present EU Cinema Policy News
FNE has teamed up with the Brussels based team of the International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) to bring you regular updates on EU cinema policies that impact all industry professionals across Europe.
Each two weeks the UNIC team of experts will update FNE readers with a selection of information on the most important developments in cinema policy in the areas of the Digital Single Market, copyright, new research on audience development, policy meetings and events and other vital information that the leaders of the European cinema need to keep abreast of to do their jobs.
These are issues that have an impact on all of us and will determine the future direction of our industry and indeed even its survival.
UNIC policy update 29/05/2020
COVID-19 - EU response
19/05: EU Ministers of Culture and Audiovisual discussed the impact of COVID-19 crisis on the cultural and creative sectors – EU2020HR
The videoconference focused on the consequences that the COVID-19 crisis continues to have on the cultural and creative sectors. The ministers shared their plans regarding next steps that should be taken in the context of re-opening of cultural venues and restart of artistic events and productions.
20/05: European Semester Spring Package: Recommendations for a coordinated response to the coronavirus pandemic – European Commission
The Commission has proposed today country-specific recommendations (CSRs) providing economic policy guidance to all EU Member States in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, focused on the most urgent challenges brought about by the pandemic and on relaunching sustainable growth.
Remarks from Vice-President Dombrovskis & Commissioner Gentiloni.
18/05: Covid-19: the EU plan for the economic recovery – European Parliament
The EU is preparing massive investments to support people and businesses as Europe battles a deep economic recession due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
19/05: COVID-19: Council adopts temporary support to mitigate unemployment risks in an emergency (SURE) – Council of the EU
The Council today adopted SURE, a temporary scheme which can provide up to €100 billion of loans under favourable terms to member states. The instrument enables member states to request EU financial support to help finance the sudden and severe increases of national public expenditure, as from 1 February 2020, related to national short-time work schemes and similar measures, including for self-employed persons, or to some health-related measures, in particular at the work place in response to the crisis.
Digital Services Act
/05: The legal framework for e-commerce in the Internal Market – EP Research Service
The study presents an overview of the current state of play in the area of e-commerce. It discusses the existing legislative framework of the Digital Single Market as well as the technology driven changes of market and economy that have taken place over the last twenty years. The analysis identifies areas prone to producing a positive reaction to legislative intervention.
EU Eastern Partnership policy
11/05: Eastern Partnership policy beyond 2020: Council approves conclusions – Council of the EU
The Council approved conclusions on the Eastern Partnership policy beyond 2020, reaffirming its strategic importance, and the joint commitment to building a common area of shared democracy, prosperity and stability.
Events
17 & 18 June: CineEurope Online convention – Registration is open
May/June: EU public consultation on Digital Services Act (postponed)
15 July: Postponed CJEU opinion on the YouTube copyright case
Recent Studies
Renaissance numérique - Réguler les plateforms numériques: Pourquoi? Comment? - May 2020
OECD - Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 containment measures on economic activity - April 2020
EAO - Admissions to European films outside Europe dropped by 15% in 2018 due to lack of European blockbusters in China - March 2020
UNIC policy update 12/05/2020
COVID-19 - EU response
04/05: COVID-19: Save European culture and values, MEPs tell Commission – European Parliament
In their discussion with Commissioners Mariya Gabriel and Thierry Breton, Culture and Education Committee MEPs stressed that the damage to the cultural and creative sector – especially for small businesses and individual actors – meant “more than just jobs being lost”. Rebuilding the hard-hit cultural and media sectors in post-COVID-19 Europe must be a major objective in the EU’s recovery plan.
04/05: Long-term EU budget: MEPs demand safety net for beneficiaries – European Parliament
The current health crisis compels us to tackle the risk of the next long-term EU budget not coming into force on 1 January 2021 with even more urgency, MEPs say.
06/05: Sassoli to EU institutions: “Be brave on EU recovery plan” – European Parliament
Statement by President Sassoli on the EU recovery plan, which will be anchored to the next Multiannual EU budget
05/05: Recovery plan and demographic challenges in the spotlight at the meeting of Employment and Social Policy Ministers – EU 2020 HR
EU Employment and Social Policy Ministers discussed the economic recovery plan and the demographic challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic in the videoconference organised by the Croatian Presidency.
05/05: COVID-19: Council greenlights €3 billion assistance package to support neighbouring partners – Council of the EU
The EU ambassadors endorsed a Commission proposal to provide up to 3 billion euros of macro-financial assistance to ten enlargement and neighbourhood partners to help them cope with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.
07/05: Main results of the EU-Western Balkans Zagreb summit – EU 2020 HR
EU leaders agreed on the Zagreb declaration, which focused on the future relations and cooperation to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
04/05: Eurogroup President on Europe's economic recovery – interview with five European papers – Council of the EU
EU Spring Economic Forecast
06/05: Spring 2020 Economic Forecast: A deep and uneven recession, an uncertain recovery – European Commission
Growth projections for the EU and euro area have been revised down by around nine percentage points compared to the Autumn 2019 Economic Forecast.
Remarks from Commissioner Gentiloni available here.
Digital Services Act (DSA)
/05: Reform of the EU liability regime for online intermediaries: Background on the forthcoming digital services act – European Parliament Research Service
/04: Study requested by IMCO: New aspects and challenges in consumer protection – Digital services and artificial intelligence – European Parliament
30/04: Making the Digital Services Act work for consumers: BEUC’s recommendations - BEUC
Events
May: Commission to present Coronavirus recovery plan (delayed)
Mid-May: EU consultation on Digital Services Act postponed
13-15 May: European Parliament Plenary
18 May: Commissioner Breton takes part in European Parliament IMCO meeting
15 July: Postponed CJEU opinion on the YouTube copyright case
UNIC policy update 29/04/2020
COVID-19 - Cultural & Creative Sectors
UNIC is collecting detailed information on the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak on the cinema industry across the 38 territories it represents – please see public version here.
The research includes detailed information on national closure processes, support mechanisms, measures relating to employment, taxation, rent and related costs, campaigns and opening strategies.
21/04: UNIC welcomes the new resolution adopted by the EU Parliament - UNIC
In an extraordinary Plenary held on 16 and 17 April in Brussels, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the EU coordinated action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences. The resolution, among others, makes two direct references to the creative and cultural sectors having suffered from the impact of the crisis.
21/04: EU funds must reach media and creative sector, say MEPs – European Parliament
The European Union must do more to help those struggling sectors to get back on their feet, stress the members of the European Parliament’s Culture and Education Committee, in a letter to Commissioners Thierry Breton and Mariya Gabriel.
17/04: “Creative communities and governments need to act urgently to address the impact of Covid-19” a ResiliArt debate organised by UNESCO and CISAC heard – CISAC
CISAC joined forces with UNESCO to hold an inaugural “ResiliArt” debate on April 15th to mobilise the creative community and governments in responding to the Covid-19 crisis. A panel of renowned creators, led by CISAC President Jean-Michel Jarre, discussed the devastating impact on culture, the need for unity among creators and the urgency of government strategies in responding.
COVID-19 – EU
21/04: More ambition needed for EU recovery instruments, says majority of MEPs – European Parliament
During the hearing in the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, numerous MEPs called for stronger measures to be put forward, arguing that the ones currently on the table consisted mostly of loans which would leave those countries most hit by the Coronavirus heavily indebted and increase economic divergence in the Eurozone.
24/04: Speech of Commissioner Breton at the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy – European Commission
24/04: Von der Leyen announces Global Response and calls for united world front against coronavirus – European Commission
The European Union will spare no effort to help the world come together against coronavirus, said Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, at the joint press conference with a number of world leaders, which the World Health Organization hosted on 24 April.
Statement here. Q&A here.
EU Council Summit
23/04: Conclusions of the President of the European Council following the video conference of the members of the European Council, 23 April 2020 – Council of the EU
EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027
27/04: Q&A on the EU's long-term budget (Multiannual Financial Framework, MFF) – European Parliament
Slovakia
24/04: Commission supports Slovakia’s cultural industries – European Commission
The European Commission has been providing tailor-made strategic advice to Slovakia through the Structural Reform Support Programme (SRSP) to support the development of cultural industries and foster their contribution to Slovakia’s economy.
Latvia
Riga Municipality Allocates Money for Riga Film Fund – Film New Europe
The Riga Municipality has allocated 800,000 EUR for the Riga Film Fund in its 2020 budget. The funds will be available for foreign and national coproductions shot in Latvia.
Events:
29-30 April: Commissioner Dombrovskis Participates in the videoconference of the ECB Governing Council
30 April: Commissioner Thierry Breton holds a videoconference with members of the European Digital Rights
6 May: Commission to present Coronavirus recovery plan
Mid-May: EU consultation on Digital Services Act postponed
15 July: Postponed CJEU opinion on the YouTube copyright case
UNIC policy update 14/04/2020
COVID-19 & AV sector
UNIC is collecting detailed information on the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak on the cinema industry across the 38 territories it represents – please see public version here
The research includes detailed information on national closure processes, support mechanisms, measures relating to employment, taxation, rent and related costs. as well as a selection of key box office figures shared by Comscore.
07/04: Global Cinema Federation Calls for Unity and Support – Global Cinema Federation
The Global Cinema Federation is committed to working with national and international institutions and partners through the weeks and months to come to ensure that cinemas survive this testing time and once again become the vibrant home of culture and community that they always have been.
08/04: Joint Film and Audiovisual Sector COVID-19 Statement - UNIC
The film and audiovisual sector in Europe calls for urgent action by EU and Member State decision-makers to safeguard the future of the sector in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, following in the footsteps of initial emergency measures announced at national level, including by film funds and other bodies.
European Commission
06/04: Coronavirus: Commission and European Investment Fund (part of EIB Group) unlock €8 billion in finance for 100,000 small and medium-sized businesses – European Commission
The European Commission has unlocked €1 billion from the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) that will serve as a guarantee to the European Investment Fund (EIF), part of the European Investment Bank Group. This will allow the EIF to issue special guarantees to incentivise banks and other lenders to provide liquidity to at least 100,000 European SMEs and small mid-cap companies hit by the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, for an estimated available financing of €8 billion.
09/04: Coronavirus: Commission Statement on consulting Member States on proposal to further expand State aid Temporary Framework to recapitalisation measures – European Commission
The European Commission has sent to Member States for consultation a draft proposal to further extend the scope of the State aid Temporary Framework adopted on 19 March 2020 to support the economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak.
09/04: Remarks by Commissioner Gentiloni at the Eurogroup press conference – European Commission
08/04: Coronavirus: Commission invites Member States to prolong restriction on non-essential travel to the EU until 15 May – European Commission
The Commission invited Schengen Member States and Schengen Associated States to prolong the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU until 15 May. The experience of Member States and other countries exposed to the pandemic shows the measures applied to fight the spread of the virus require more than 30 days to be effective.
European Parliament
08/04: Sassoli to EU governments: Rise to the challenge. Find new shared ways to finance our recovery – European Parliament
14/04: MEPs to discuss how to better protect consumers in times of COVID-19 – European Parliament
The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee will discuss EU measures to protect consumers and safeguard their rights with Commissioner Didier Reynders.
Council of the EU
09/04: Report on the comprehensive economic policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic – Council of the EU
The report includes the coordinated actions taken so far at the level of the Member States, the EU and the euro area and additional crisis response instruments to prepare the ground for the recovery.
08/04: COVID-19: Council gives go-ahead to further use of cohesion resources – Council of the EU
EU ambassadors agreed the Council’s position on a second package of measures in less than a month aimed at freeing up more money from EU structural funds for crisis-related operations. Given the unprecedented challenges facing member states, the proposed changes were endorsed without amendment in order to speed up the legislative process.
Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU
08/04: Ministers of Culture and Media discussed measures aimed at assisting the cultural and creative sector – EU 2020 HR
Ministers of culture at a video conference examined the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemia on the cultural and creative sector and discussed possible measures for mitigating negative effects of the crisis.
Events:
14 April: Commissioner Gabriel participates in a videoconference with EPP members of the European Parliament's Culture and Education Committee
14 April: Extraordinary IMCO Committee meeting
15 April: President von der Leyen to present an update on EU’s Coronavirus exit strategy
15 April: Commissioner Gabriel participates in a high-level videoconference with chief scientific advisors, ministers and leaders of international partners on COVID-19
15 April: Commissioner Kyriakides participates in a videoconference of the informal EPSCO Council organised by the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU
16 April: Commissioner Kyriakides participates in a videoconference of the G7 Health Ministerial Coordination Meeting on COVID-19 developments
16 April: High-level videoconference of Foreign Affairs Ministers
16 April: High-level videoconference of Economics & Finance Ministers
16-17 April: European Parliament Plenary
19 April: Commissioner Kyriakides participates in a teleconference of the G20 Health Ministers
20-21 April: European Parliament JURI Committee meeting, Brussels
Postponed IMCO reports – please see here
23 April: EUROGROUP meeting to discuss EU economic recovery package and exit plan
15 July: Postponed CJEU opinion on the YouTube copyright case
UNIC policy update 31/03/2020
COVID-19 - Cultural and creative industries/AV sector
24/03: UNIC urges national government support for European cinemas during COVID-19 crisis – UNIC
The International Union of Cinemas (UNIC) called on national governments to do all they can in the weeks and months to come to ensure that European cinemas are able to survive and overcome the unprecedented challenges that they face.
27/03: COVID-19 impact on culture: new funds must reach creative sectors immediately – European Parliament
The Chair of EP Committee on Culture and Education warns that the cultural and creative sectors have been ravaged by the impact of stringent public health measures.
26/03: Authors’ organisations joint statement on COVID-19 crisis - FERA
As the COVID-19 pandemic ravages our societies, including the cultural and creative sectors, authors’ organizations stand in solidarity with all those affected by the virus and \support measures taken to contain it.
COVID-19 – EU
28/03: Factsheet: EU Coronavirus response – overview – European Commission
26/03: COVID-19: Parliament approves crucial EU support measures – European Parliament
As part of the EU’s joint response to the COVID-19 outbreak, MEPs almost unanimously adopted three urgent proposals in an extraordinary plenary session.
26/03: Joint statement of the members of the European Council, 26 March 2020 – Council of the EU
Following the informal video conference on 26 March 2020, the members of the European Council adopted a statement on the EU actions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, EU enlargement, the earthquake in Croatia and the situation at the EU's external borders.
27/03: Coronavirus: Commission Statement on consulting Member States on the proposal to extend State aid Temporary Framework – European Commission
The European Commission has sent to Member States for consultation a draft proposal to extend the State aid Temporary Framework adopted on 19 March 2020 to support the economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak.
28/03: Statement from Commission President von der Leyen on proposals to fight the economic effects of the coronavirus crisis – European Commission
The European Council tasked the Eurogroup to come up with proposals within the next weeks. The Commission will participate in these discussions and stands ready to assist, if supported by the Eurogroup. This is required since the fiscal space for new instruments is limited as we are in the last year of the MFF.
20/03: Coronavirus: Commission proposes to activate fiscal framework's general escape clause to respond to pandemic – European Commission
The Commission proposes the activation of the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) as part of its strategy to respond quickly, forcefully and in a coordinated manner to the coronavirus pandemic.
State aid
25/03: State aid: Commission approves Italian State guarantee scheme to support SMEs affected by coronavirus outbreak – European Commission
24/03: State aid: Commission approves €20 billion Spanish guarantee schemes for companies and self-employed affected by coronavirus outbreak – European Commission
24/03: State aid: Commission approves German direct grant scheme to support companies affected by coronavirus outbreak – European Commission
24/03: State aid: Commission approves German guarantee measure to further support economy in coronavirus outbreak – European Commission
25/03: State aid: Commission approves UK schemes to support SMEs affected by coronavirus outbreak – European Commission
25/03: State aid: Commission approves €1.3 billion Danish scheme to compensate self-employed for damages suffered due to coronavirus outbreak – European Commission
23/03: State aid: Commission approves state support for €250 million Latvian subsidised loan scheme and loan guarantee scheme for companies affected by coronavirus outbreak – European Commission
21/03: State aid: Commission approves French schemes to support economy in Coronavirus outbreak – European Commission
Events
30 March - 5 April: European Media Literacy Week
2 April: Draft IMCO Report on “Strengthening the Single Market: the future of free movement of services” to translation (MEP Lokkegaard)
3 April: Draft IMCO Report on “Digital Services Act – Improving the functioning of the Single Market” to translation (MEP Saliba)
20-21 April: European Parliament JURI Committee meeting, Brussels
5 May: Deadline for amendments, Draft IMCO Report on “Digital Services Act – Improving the functioning of the Single Market” (MEP Saliba)
5 May: Deadline for amendments, Draft IMCO Report on “Strengthening the Single Market: the future of free movement of services” (MEP Lokkegaard)
14 July: Committee vote, Draft IMCO Report on “Strengthening the Single Market: the future of free movement of services” (MEP Lokkegaard)
14 July: Committee vote, Draft IMCO Report on “Digital Services Act – Improving the functioning of the Single Market” (MEP Saliba)
15 July: Postponed CJEU opinion on the YouTube copyright case
UNIC policy update 17/03/2020
Coronavirus
10/03: Coronavirus: MEPs call for solidarity among EU member states – European Parliament
Parliament discussed the COVID-19 outbreak with the Commission and the Croatian presidency last week, underlining the need to slow down the spread across Europe.
13/03: COVID-19: Commission sets out European coordinated response to counter the economic impact of the Coronavirus* - European Commission
The Commission presented an immediate response to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, centred on a European coordinated response.
13/03: European Coordinated Response on Coronavirus: Questions and Answers – European Commission
12/03: State aid: Commission approves €12 million Danish scheme to compensate damages caused by cancellations of large public events due to COVID-19 outbreak – European Commission
The European Commission has found a DKK 91 million (€12 million) Danish aid scheme to compensate organisers for the damage suffered due to the cancellation of large events with more than 1,000 participants due to the COVID-19 outbreak to be in line with EU State aid rules.
13/03: Parliament mobilised to channel EU funds to those affected by Coronavirus pandemic – European Parliament
The Regional Development Committee is ready to find the most efficient way possible to allow the Corona Response Investment Initiative to be adopted and swiftly implemented.
13/03: Corona virus: Consequences for Creative Europe programme and related activities – European Commission
Important notification regarding the Creative Europe Programme and the measures to contain the Corona virus.
EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027
11/03: Long-term budget: EU needs proper funding to tackle crises, say MEPs – European Parliament
The EU should have the financial means to tackle challenges such as coronavirus or migration, said MEPs in a plenary debate on the EU long-term budget.
Recent Studies:
EAO - Admissions to European films outside Europe dropped by 15% in 2018 due to lack of European blockbusters in China - March 2020
UK IPO - Online Copyright Infringement Tracker - February 2020
EAO - Artificial Intelligence in the audiovisual industry - February 2020
EAO - Territoriality and financing of audiovisual works: latest developments - February 2020
O&O - The impact of potential changes to European geo-blocking regulation on sport - January 2020
UNIC policy update 13/02/2020
EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027
07/02: Long-term EU budget: The Union’s ambitions must be matched with sufficient reliable funding – European Parliament
EP negotiators for the post-2020 EU budget discussed their priorities with European Council President Charles Michel, ahead of a crucial plenary debate on the budget next week.
08/02: Plenković with Michel: Croatia wants the MFF negotiations concluded during our Presidency – EU2020HR
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said he would do everything so that in the European Union's next seven-year budget Croatia was given appropriate cohesion funds, which he added were the driver of development and investment.
Geo-blocking
28/01: O&O report highlights important risks of a ban on geo-blocking for sport content – Sports Rights Owners Coalition (SROC)
Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates Ltd (“O&O”) have published a report on ‘The impact of potential changes to geo-blocking regulation on sport’, highlighting the risks of extending a ban on geo-blocking for sports content.
Antitrust
30/01: Antitrust: Commission fines NBCUniversal €14.3 million for restricting sales of film merchandise products – European Commission
The European Commission has fined several companies belonging to Comcast Corporation, including NBCUniversal LLC, (“NBCUniversal”) €14 327 000 for restricting traders from selling licensed merchandise within the European Economic Area (EEA) to territories and customers beyond those allocated to them. These restrictions concerned merchandise products featuring the Minions, Jurassic World and other images and characters from NBCUniversal's films.
European Commission
29/01: European Commission 2020 Work Programme: An ambitious roadmap for a Union that strives for more – European Commission
The European Commission adopted its 2020 Work Programme. It sets out the actions the Commission will take in 2020 to turn the Political Guidelines of President von der Leyen into tangible benefits for European citizens, businesses and society.
European Parliament
31/01: "A new dawn for Europe" - Op-ed article by EU Presidents – European Parliament
"A new dawn for Europe" - Op-ed article by Presidents David Sassoli, Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen
31/01: Redistribution of seats in the European Parliament after Brexit – European Parliament
As of 1 February, the number and distribution of seats in the Parliament changes following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
05/02: Our Inclusive Digital Europe : Leaving Nobody Behind, Offering Opportunity For Everyone – S&D Group
Position paper
/02: Renew Europe paper on Artificial Intelligence – Renew Europe Group
Position paper
Events
17-18 February: European Parliament ITRE Committee meeting, Brussels
17-18 February: European Parliament JURI Committee meeting, Brussels
17-18 February: European Parliament IMCO Committee meeting, Brussels
18 February: UNIC conference at the European Parliament, Brussels
19 February: Extraordinary ITRE & IMCO Committee meeting with Commissioner Breton on new initiatives in the digital sector, Brussels
19 February: European Commission communication on the Digital Single Market
19-20 February: European Parliament CULT Committee meeting, Brussels
20 February: European Council meeting on the long-term EU Budget 2021-2027, Brussels
24 March: Digital Services Act conference: A new rulebook for the digital economy?, Brussels
Studies
O&O - The impact of potential changes to European geo-blocking regulation on sport - January 2020
Göteborg Film Festival - Nostradamus Report 2020 - January 2020
UNIC policy update 31/01/2020
EU Copyright Directive
/01: “Stakeholder dialogue” meetings on Article 17 of the DSM Directive – EAO Newsletter
In October and November 2019, the European Commission organised three “stakeholder dialogue” meetings, as required under Article 17(10) of the recently-enacted Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market. These meetings were aimed at discussing best practices for cooperation between online content-sharing service providers and rightsholders.
EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027
25/01: Invitation letter by President Charles Michel to the members of the European Council ahead of their meeting on 20 February 2020 – Council of the EU
Digital taxation
21/01: Croatian presidency ready to prepare negotiations on digital taxation – EU2020HR
The first Economic and Financial Affairs Council under Croatian Presidency was held today in Brussels. The ministers discussed digital taxation, and financial and economic aspects of the European Green Deal.
Council of the EU
23/01: Croatian Presidency outlines priorities to EP committees – European Parliament
Ministers are outlining the priorities of the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU to parliamentary committees, in a series of meetings.
European Commission
27/01: (Document) The European Commission’s 2020 work programme – Contexte (Article FR)
Context publishes a preparatory version of the list of legislative texts and other initiatives planned by the von der Leyen Commission for its first year.
European Parliament
15/01: Number of members in Parliament’s committees to change after Brexit – European Parliament
MEPs voted on the post-Brexit size of Parliament’s 20 committees and two subcommittees.
EU Digital Services Act
15/01: Digital Services Act: adapting commercial and civil law rules for commercial entities operating online – European Parliament Legislative Observatory
16/01: Digital Services Act: Improving the functioning of the Single Market – European Parliament Legislative Observatory
16/01: Digital Services Act and fundamental rights issues posed – European Parliament Legislative Observatory
13/01: What the EU Should Put in the Digital Services Act – Center for Data Innovation
Events
4 February: European Audiovisual Observatory conference – “TV and film production in Europe –
the state of independence?”, Brussels
4 February: Seminar: "Towards a more effective copyright enforcement on digital content sharing platforms: State of the art and proposals on Automated Content Recognition services”, Permanent Representation of France to the EU, Brussels
5 February: S&D Group JURI workshop on the civil liability regime for Artificial Intelligence, Brussels
10 February (TBC): Sixth European Commission copyright stakeholders’ dialogue, Brussels
18 February: UNIC conference at the European Parliament, Brussels
19-20 February: European Parliament CULT Committee meeting, Brussels
24 March: Digital Services Act conference: A new rulebook for the digital economy?, Brussels
UNIC policy update 16/01/2020
Copyright enforcement
09/01: European Commission steps up protection of European intellectual property in global markets – European Commission
The European Commission published the latest report on protection and enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in third countries.
EU Digital Services Act (DSA)
07/01: EDiMA calls for a new Online Responsibility Framework - EDiMA
EDiMA, the voice of the leading internet companies and the most popular internet products in Europe, is calling on the European Commission to introduce a new Online Responsibility Framework. This framework will help internet companies to respond to the growing demands to do more to tackle illegal content online.
European Audiovisual Observatory (EAO)
10/01: European Audiovisual Observatory rings in its new Moroccan Presidency for 2020! - EAO
The Strasbourg-based Observatory is part of the Council of Europe and has been providing facts and figures on the film, television and video industries in Europe since 1992. The Observatory’s yearly rotating presidency changes every January. In 2019 the Presidency was held by Italy.
Digital taxation
18/12: Parliament keeps up pressure to tax digital economy more fairly – European Parliament
MEPs press EU to engage fully in international efforts to tax the digital economy, while still being prepared to act at EU level if global plans fail.
Sustainability
23/12: Circular economy – new action plan to increase recycling and reuse of products in the EU – European Commission
The new action plan is meant to speed up the EU’s transition towards a circular economy.
Council of the EU
27/12: The Programme of the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union adopted today – EU 2020 HR
Croatia took over the rotating Council Presidency from Finland on 1 January 2020. For the next six months, the country wants to focus on sustainable development, a networked economy, safety and positioning Europe as a global leader.
European Capital of Cultures
03/01: 2020 European Capitals of Culture: Rijeka and Galway – European Commission
As of 1 January 2020, Rijeka (Croatia) and Galway (Ireland) will hold the title of European Capital of Culture for one year.
Events
20-21 January: CULT Committee meeting, Brussels
22-23 January: ITRE Committee meeting, Brussels
22-23 January: IMCO Committee meeting, Brussels
4 February: European Audiovisual Observatory conference – “TV and film production in Europe – the state of independence?”, Brussels
10 February (TBC): Sixth European Commission copyright stakeholders’ dialogue, Brussels
18 February: Save the Date – UNIC conference at the European Parliament, Brussels
UNIC policy update 19/12/2019
EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027
12/12: Prospective cuts to Erasmus+ and Creative Europe in EU long-term budget deeply worrying – European Parliament
Ahead of talks among EU leaders on the long-term budget in the European Council, the Chair of Culture and Education Committee, Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE), issued a statement.
10/12: MFF: Commission’s plan “impossible to implement” with Finnish proposal – European Parliament
For Parliament’s negotiating team, the preliminary proposal by Finland's presidency of the Council for the next long-term budget of the EU would “condemn the European Union to failure”.
05/12: Useful information on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) – European Parliament
Parliament's resolutions, press releases and factsheets available online about the MFF and the reform of the EU's Own Resources.
05/12: Finnish Presidency proposes greater EU investment in building a sustainable future – eu2019.fi
Finland’s Presidency has submitted its proposal for the next long-term EU budget, the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021–2027, to the member states. The proposal is a budget of €1 087 billion for the seven-year period, equal to 1.07% of the gross national income of the EU member states.
European Council
12/12: European Council meeting (12 December 2019) – Conclusions – EU Council
The document presents the conclusions adopted at the European Council meeting from 12 December 2019.
European Commission
/12: Cabinets of Commissioners – EU Who is Who
04/12: Opening remarks by President von der Leyen at the read-out of the first College meeting of the von der Leyen Commission – European Commission
03/12: [Document] List of agenda points for upcoming Commission meetings – European Commission
European Parliament
04/12: Cristian-Silviu Buşoi elected Chair of the ITRE Committee – ITRE Committee
Mr Cristian-Silviu Buşoi is the new Chair of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, elected on 4 December 2019.
Events
16-19 December: European Parliament Plenary Session, Strasbourg
1 January: Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU enters into office
9 January: JURI Committee meeting, Brussels
16 February: Fifth European Commission copyright stakeholders’ dialogue, Brussels
20-21 January: CULT Committee meeting, Brussels
10 February (TBC): Sixth European Commission copyright stakeholders’ dialogue, Brussels
18 February: Save the Date – UNIC conference at the European Parliament, Brussels
UNIC policy update 05/12/2019
Copyright enforcement
27/11: Illegal IPTV in the European Union: Research on online business models infringing intellectual property rights (Phase 3) – EUIPO
The report estimates EUR 941.7 million of unlawful revenue was generated by copyright infringing IPTV providers in the EU in 2018 and that these services were used by 13.7 million people in the EU (3.6 % of the EU-28 population).
EU Budget
18/11: EU Budget 2020 deal: Investing more in climate action, youth and research – European Parliament
MEPs have obtained better support for climate action, research, SMEs and the young in next year’s EU budget, after a second round of talks with Council.
18/11: Agreement on EU budget for 2020: Tackling climate change and delivering on other EU priorities – European Commission
The three EU institutions agreed on the EU's budget for 2020. This will allow the EU to focus its resources on the priorities that matter to citizens: climate change, jobs, young people, security and solidarity in the EU.
25/11: EU budget for 2020: Council endorses deal with Parliament – Council of the EU
The Council approved the deal reached with the European Parliament on the 2020 EU budget. If the agreement is also confirmed by the Parliament, the EU budget for 2020 is adopted.
European Commission
25/11: Council adopts new list of Commissioner candidates – Council of the EU
The Council adopted a new list of persons whom it proposes for appointment as members of the Commission until 31 October 2024.
27/11: Parliament elects the von der Leyen Commission – European Parliament
Following the conclusion of the hearings process, Parliament approved the new Commissioners, presented to plenary by Commission President-elect von der Leyen.
European People’s Party
20/11: Donald Tusk overwhelmingly elected European People’s Party President – EPP
The European People’s Party Congress has overwhelmingly elected Donald Tusk as the EPP President with 491 in favour (93%) and 37 against.
European Cinema Night 2019
29/11: European Cinema Night 2019: free screenings showcase the best of European film – European Commission
The second edition of the European Cinema Night, an event celebrating the best of European film by offering free screenings, is taking place from 2 to 6 December in cinemas across the EU.
Events:
16 December: Fourth European Commission copyright Stakeholders’ Meeting, Brussels
UNIC policy update 22/11/2019
Copyright enforcement
07/11: Strengthening cooperation in the fight against IP crime - EUIPO
The EU’s law enforcement agency Europol and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) have formally signed an agreement to further increase their cooperation in fighting infringements of intellectual property rights, both online and offline.
EU Digital Services Act
31/10: Council of the European Union Working Paper: eCommerce/Digital Services Act presentation – Council of the EU
2020 EU budget
15/11: EU Budget 2020 conciliation talks suspended – European Parliament
After making every effort to reach a compromise on an adequate EU budget for 2020 during long hours on 15 November, Parliament and Council have suspended the talks without agreement.
EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027
/11: EP position – MFF Table – European Parliament
Association of Commercial Television in Europe (ACT)
18/11: A Blueprint for EU Media Policy 2019-2024 - ACT
ACT celebrates its 30 years as Europe embarks into a new political cycle. ACT’s Blueprint for media policy 2019-2024 sets out our guiding thoughts for what European policy-makers need to focus on if they wish to maintain media plurality, quality news and cultural diversity in Europe.
European Commission
14/11: Hearing of Commissioner-designate Thierry Breton – European Parliament
The Internal Market and the Industry committees questioned Thierry Breton, candidate for the Internal Market portfolio.
14/11: European Commission launches infringement proceedings against the UK following its failure to name a candidate for EU Commissioner – European Commission
As the Guardian of the Treaties, the European Commission has today sent a letter of formal notice to the United Kingdom for breaching its EU Treaty obligations by not suggesting a candidate for the post of EU Commissioner. The UK authorities have until Friday 22 November at the latest to provide their views.
Council of the EU
18/11: Future of the Single Market on the agenda of the European Economic Area Council – EU2019.FI
The European Economic Area (EEA) Council met in Brussels on 19 November to assess the overall functioning and progress of the EEA agreement and hold an orientation debate on the single market beyond 2019. The EU’s delegation was led by Pekka Haavisto, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland.
Events
21-22 November: Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, Brussels
25 November: Third European Commission copyright Stakeholders’ Meeting, Brussels
25-28 November: European Parliament Plenary session, including presentation and (possible) election of the new European Commission, Strasbourg
27-28 November: EUIPO Observatory Working Group meetings, Brussels
1 December: European Commission comes into office (TBC)
2-3 December: JURI Committee meeting, Brussels
4 December: IMCO Committee meeting, Brussels
4-5 December: CULT Committee meeting, Brussels
4-5 December: ITRE Committee meeting, Brussels
16 December: Fourth European Commission copyright Stakeholders’ Meeting, Brussels
