Statement by Vice-President for the Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip on the general approach agreed in the Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council

"I am pleased that the Council adopted today a general approach on the update of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive.

It is essential to have one common set of audiovisual rules across the EU and avoid the complication of different national laws.

We need to take into account new ways of watching videos, and find the right balance to encourage innovative services, promote European films, protect children and tackle hate speech in a better way.

Today's agreement among Member States paves the way towards a final compromise with the European Parliament. I would like to congratulate and thank the Maltese Presidency for their hard work to find a consensus on this complex file, just one year after we presented the proposal.

The Maltese Presidency is being decisive in making the Digital Single Market a reality in the EU. Other achievements made over the last months include the final steps towards the end of roaming charges, a better coordination of spectrum, the portability of online content across borders and a key agreement related to the Marrakesh Treaty which will help millions of blind and other print disabled people to get better access to books."

Next steps:

The first 'trilogue' meeting between negotiators of the European Parliament, Council and Commission will take place in the coming weeks.

For more information:

Press release: Commission updates EU audiovisual rules (May 2016)

Q&A: updated audiovisual rules (May 2016)

Press release: Review of the Digital Single Market strategy (May 2016)

STATEMENT/17/1435