EU's Thierry Breton confirms ambitious regulatory agenda

By Emmanuel Legrand

Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for internal market, has disclosed that he expects that the main guidelines on the new Directive on audiovisual media services, that will define the calculation methods for European works on digital streaming platforms, to be adopted in July by the Commission. Breton made the announcement in his keynote speech for the opening of the Cannes Film Festival's digital film market.

  Breton added that work on the guidelines is ongoing regarding the implementation of Article 17 of the Copyright Directive on the liability of platforms regarding infringing content, in particular with regards to cooperation between content sharing platforms and rights holders. "We plan to adopt these guidelines in the fall," said Breton.

  The Commissioner also said that he expects that by the end of the year the Digital Service Act will be presented "with a view to increasing the responsibility of platforms in all economic activities." He invited all stakeholders to participate in the current public consultation on this topic.

Need for ambitious investments

  Reflecting on these issues, Breton noted that "these regulatory measures are necessary to ensure a level playing field that is strengthened between all the players," but he added that legislation "will not be enough to preserve our cultural and linguistic diversity; our cultural sovereignty. There is a need for ambitious investments in digital technologies and skills."

  He concluded: "Admittedly, this requires significant collaboration and dialogue between the various links in the value chain. These elements should allow the emergence of a common vision capable of carrying ambitious projects on a European and global scale. You can count on me to carry out this task with all of you. The upcoming media action plan will be a key part of this shared vision."