On Tuesday 31 May 2016, EU Culture and Audiovisual Ministers met in Brussels to discuss the strengthening of the role of Europeana, the European platform for unique access to digital culture heritage, and to deliberate on the changes proposed by the European Commission concerning the provision of audiovisual media services.
Europeana was launched in 2008 as a network of heritage professionals and provides an online platform to share and re-use material from around 3,700 cultural institutions. According to the ministers, improvements are needed in terms of clarifying Europeana's missions in order to reach a wider audience, ensure sustainable financing and develop the governance of the management structure. An evaluation of the platform is planned by autumn 2017 and will aim to use precise figures to better define the project.
Regarding the proposed revision of the Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) directive, adopted in 2010 to establish a single market with free circulation of audiovisual works, the European Commission published on 25 May a proposal confirming multiple elements already contained in the original Directive, including the principle of country of origin, according to which service providers are subjects only to the rules applicable in their home country.
Commissioner Günther Oettinger emphasised that audiovisual media services needed to be a platform highlighting Europe's strong cultural base.
Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg's Prime Minister and Minister of Culture, highlighted the European spirit of the directive whih makes it a centrepiece of the opening of borders to the free movement of audiovisual cultural works in Europe. He warned against the introduction of new rules that might stigle European producers and set them at a disadvantage compared to their non-European competitors.
The Prime Minister commented that in the current context of populist tendencies trying to divide Europe, "Our difference is our strength and not our weakness" and called on minister to give a strong signal thereof.
The Council also took note of the Commission's plans concerning the European Year of Cultural Heritage, scheduled for 2018. Particular attention was also paid to the question of the European Union Youth Orchestra, which is plagued by financial difficulties. To this end, Xavier Bettel welcomed the announcement that the Commission is expecting a short-term solution to soon be developed, so that the orchestra may fulfil its commitments, whilst finding that this should not create precedents in the matter and any thinking in the future should ensure equal representation of the Member States within the orchestra.
Photo by Europeana
