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EU audiovisual policy

European Union (EU) audiovisual policy draws on a variety of legal bases in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the main ones being the rules on freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services, along with Article 167 on culture and cultural cooperation and Article 173 on EU industry. Other EU rules such as those on competition, State aid and public service obligations also have an important impact on the sector.

A key aspect of EU action has been the creation of a single European market for audiovisual services. The 2010 audiovisual media services directive provides a framework to promote the free movement, production and distribution of European television programmes and video-on-demand (VOD) services. The 2018 revision of the directive enhanced the level-playing field for broadcasters, VOD providers and video-sharing platforms, and strengthened the promotion of cultural diversity.

In 2020, the European Commission adopted an action plan to support the recovery and transformation of the media and audiovisual sector.

The Creative Europe programme (2021–2027) aims to reinforce European cultural diversity and increase the competitiveness and economic potential of the cultural and creative sectors, in particular the audiovisual sector.

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