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European Media Freedom Act - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 16 September 2022, 22:42 CET

The European Commission adopted on 16 September a European Media Freedom Act, a novel set of rules to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU. The proposed Regulation includes, among others, safeguards against political interference in editorial decisions and against surveillance.

Path to the Digital Decade - guide by EUbusiness — last modified 14 July 2022, 22:21 CET

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached political agreement on 14 July on the 2030 Policy Programme: Path to the Digital Decade. The programme sets up a monitoring and cooperation mechanism to achieve the common objectives and targets for Europe's digital transformation set out in the 2030 Digital Compass. This concerns the area of skills and infrastructure, including connectivity, the digitalisation of businesses and online public services as well as the respect of the EU's Digital rights and principles in achieving the general objectives.

Stronger Code of Practice on disinformation by EUbusiness — last modified 16 June 2022, 19:12 CET

A strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation was published on 16 June. 34 signatories such as platforms, tech companies and civil society signed a new Code which sets out extensive and precise commitments by platforms and industry to fight disinformation and marks another important step for a more transparent, safe and trustworthy online environment.

Reinforcing democracy and integrity of elections in Europe by EUbusiness — last modified 29 November 2021, 12:33 CET

Building on experience gained in the 2019 European parliamentary elections and delivering on the priorities announced in the European Democracy Action Plan and the 2020 EU Citizenship Report, the European Commission presented on 25 November a number of initiatives to reinforce democracy and integrity of elections.

Guidance to strengthen the Code of Practice on Disinformation by EUbusiness — last modified 26 May 2021, 13:20 CET

The European Commission published on 26 May guidance on how the Code of Practice on Disinformation - the first of its kind worldwide - should be strengthened to become a more effective tool for countering disinformation.

Directive on television and radio programmes by EUbusiness — last modified 28 March 2019, 23:57 CET

The European Parliament gave its approval on 28 march for a Directive that will simplify cross-border distribution and retransmission of television and radio programmes.

Copyright rules for the Internet by EUbusiness — last modified 26 March 2019, 18:13 CET

The European Parliament voted in favour of a new Copyright Directive on 26 March, which is designed to bring tangible benefits to citizens, all creative sectors, the press, researchers, educators, and cultural heritage institutions.

New EU Copyright Directive by EUbusiness — last modified 14 February 2019, 17:06 CET

The European Parliament, EU Council and the Commission found a political agreement on 13 February to make the copyright rules 'fit for digital era' in Europe and bring benefits to all creative sectors, the press, researchers, educators, cultural heritage institutions, and citizens.

The Code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online by EUbusiness — last modified 23 June 2020, 00:32 CET

On 22 June 2020, the European Commission released the results of its fifth evaluation of the 2016 Code of Conduct on countering illegal hate speech online.

EU action against disinformation by EUbusiness — last modified 05 December 2018, 20:48 CET

The EU presented on 5 December an Action Plan to step up efforts to counter disinformation in Europe and beyond.

Updated audiovisual rules by EUbusiness — last modified 03 October 2018, 20:23 CET

The European Parliament and the EU Council confirmed on 6 June the preliminary political agreement reached on 26 April on the revised rules that will apply to audiovisual media across Europe.

Portability of online content services by EUbusiness — last modified 28 March 2018, 13:14 CET

From 1 April 2018 onwards, Europeans will be able to access the online content that they have subscribed to at home, wherever they are in the EU.

Tax System for EU Digital Single Market by EUbusiness — last modified 21 March 2018, 18:35 CET

The European Commission proposed on 21 March new rules to ensure that digital business activities are taxed in a fair and growth-friendly way in the EU.

Proposals to update EU copyright rules by EUbusiness — last modified 14 September 2016, 20:33 CET

The European Commission set out on 14 September proposals on the modernisation of copyright to increase cultural diversity in Europe and content available online, while bringing clearer rules for all online players. The proposals will also bring tools for innovation to education, research and cultural heritage institutions.

MEDIA programme overview: Questions & Answers by EUbusiness — last modified 17 May 2016, 11:58 CET

The EU MEDIA programme supports the development of films in Europe and their international distribution. Since launch in 1991, the MEDIA programme has invested over EUR 2.4 billion in European creativity and cultural diversity.

European Commission plans to modernise EU digital contract rules and promote access to digital content and online sales across the EU by EUbusiness — last modified 09 December 2015, 16:53 CET

The European Commission presented on 9 December a proposal to allow Europeans to travel with their online content and an action plan to modernise EU copyright rules.

Commission report on radio spectrum and UHF band by EUbusiness — last modified 04 September 2014, 21:41 CET

Europe's broadcasting and wireless broadband sectors are seen as essential to Europe's digital future and economic prosperity, and they are both hungry users of radio frequencies. On 1 September, former Commissioner Pascal Lamy presented the European Commission with a report on how to use the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) spectrum (the 700 Megahertz (MHz) band) most effectively in the coming decades. The UHF band represents "prime real estate" in terms of use, capacity and reach. Commissioner Neelie Kroes also announced new rules on the harmonisation of spectrum bands used by wireless microphones, also in the UHF band, as well as the first report of an inventory showing how EU Member States are using their radio frequencies today and what to focus on tomorrow. Combined, all three elements should help to secure the long-term future for broadband, broadcast and other wireless services in Europe.

A profile of current and future audiovisual audiences by EUbusiness — last modified 11 February 2014, 11:20 CET

Nearly 70% of Europeans download or stream films for free, whether legally or illegally, according to a new European Commission study on audience behaviour. It also finds that 40% of smartphone owners and more than 60% of tablet owners watch films on their devices. The study finds that this is not surprising because, while the public takes a lot of interest in films as a whole, the nearest cinema is often some distance from them and the choice on screen is frequently rather limited. It suggests that the European film industry can increase revenues by exploiting different types of profit-making online platforms to increase the availability of films and reach new audiences. The audience behaviour study is based on research, analysis and interviews with audiences in 10 Member States - the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, Croatia, Romania, Lithuania and Denmark. Nearly 5 000 people aged from 4-50 were asked about their film habits and preferences.

Directive on collective management of copyright and related rights and multi-territorial licensing by EUbusiness — last modified 04 February 2014, 13:48 CET

New rules on music copyright approved by the European Parliament on 4 February 2014 aim to make it easier for online providers to get licences to stream music in more than one EU country. The Directive on collective rights management and multi-territorial licensing of musical works for online use, already informally agreed with Council, should stimulate the development of EU-wide online music services for consumers and ensure that artists' rights are better protected and that they receive adequate royalties promptly.

Creative Europe funding: EUR 170 m in 2014 by EUbusiness — last modified 12 December 2013, 17:08 CET

Cultural and creative organisations wishing to bid for funding in 2014 through Creative Europe, the European Union's new programme for the cultural and creative sectors, can start to prepare their grant applications from today.