Council discusses European audiovisual policy

The debate focused on two issues:

• the audiovisual policy aspects of the Digital Single Market Strategy;
• the functioning of the Audiovisual Media Services directive in the current geopolitical situation.

Ministers discussed the challenges for policy-makers and regulators of a digital single market where the diversity and the high quality of the digital offer must be ensured, as well as equal conditions for all audiovisual media service providers.

They also examined ways to prevent the misuse of the freedoms guaranteed by the Audiovisual Media Services directive ("freedom of information, freedom and pluralism of the media, the openness of the internet and cultural and linguistic diversity) in order to ensure public interest objectives of security and stability.

The Council also adopted a decision designating Plovdiv (Bulgaria) and Matera (Italy) as European Capitals of Culture in 2019.

Minister Dace Melbārde declared: "One of the issues that calls for immediate attention today regarding the European audiovisual policy is how can we balance freedom of expression with the public interest objectives of security and stability, while ensuring that the audiovisual landscape in Europe remains culturally diverse and competitive."

 Press conference following the meeting of the EU Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council