EU Copyright Directive
26/02: Copyright: MEPs back provisional agreement – European Parliament
The Legal Affairs Committee approved the reform of EU copyright rules provisionally agreed with EU Ministers.
Antitrust
07/03: Antitrust: Commission accepts commitments by Disney, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. and Sky on cross-border pay-TV services – European Commission
The European Commission has made commitments offered by Disney, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros. and Sky legally binding under EU antitrust rules. These commitments address the Commission's concerns regarding certain clauses in these studios' film licensing contracts for pay-TV with Sky UK.
Circulation & Promotion of European Films
26/02: European movies on the move: ten actions for better circulation across Europe – European Commission
The Open Method of Coordination (OMC) group of experts on circulation of films has published a paper featuring good practices and recommendations to enhance the circulation of European films across the EU.
Gender Balance
08/03: Public Consultation – Gender equality in the EU – European Commission
The Commission is launching a public consultation to gather opinions from all interested groups about the current situation regarding gender equality in the EU and the priorities for the next 5 years.
07/03: Statement by the European Commission on the occasion of International Women's Day 2019 – European Commission
“Women remain underrepresented in politics. In the upcoming European elections, we would like to see more women across the EU not only voting, but standing and succeeding as candidates. The Commission also calls for more women to be represented in the highest level of all EU institutions, including as Commissioners”, states the European Commission Statement.
2019 European Elections
05/03: Party leaders to join ECR group after EU elections – The Parliament Magazine
Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, who leads French party Debout la France, and Thierry Baudet, who leads Dutch party Forum for Democracy, both signed declarations with ECR co-leader, Ryszard Legutko.
Moldova
/03: New Audiovisual Code – EAO Newsletter
The new law replaces an earlier Audiovisual Code from 2006 (see IRIS 2006-9/27). It brings national legislation more into line with the AVMS Directive, especially in the fields of the protection of minors, the protection of consumers (commercial communications), incitement to hatred, events of major importance, the right of reply, material scope, jurisdictional issues, non-linear audiovisual media services, and the promotion of European works.
Studies & Data
/03: EFARN Film Research Library: Studies & data from the European film agencies – EFARN
Events
14 March: EAO Advisory Committee Meeting
25-28 March: EU Single Use Plastics Directive - European Parliament plenary sitting
27 March: EU SatCab Directive - European Parliament plenary vote (TBC)
27 March: 28 Shades of AVMSD - A Changing and Challenging Digital Market
27/28 March: EU Copyright Directive - European Parliament plenary vote (TBC)
8-12 April: EUIPO Working Group meetings
23-26 May: EU Elections
