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Audiovisual Media Services Directive

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Audiovisual Media Services Directive

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Audiovisual Media Services Directive

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Audiovisual and media

Audiovisual Media Services (AMS) Directive

Document or Iniciative

Directive 2010/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) (Text with EEA relevance).

Summary

This Directive establishes legal, regulatory and administrative provisions related to the provision and distribution of audiovisual media services.

Which media service providers * does the Directive apply to?

This Directive applies to media service providers when:

  • the head office of the provider and the editorial decisions taken about the audiovisual media services are located in the same Member State;
  • the head office and audiovisual media services are located in different Member States;
  • the service provider has its head office in a Member State, whereas decisions on the audiovisual media services are taken in a third country;
  • the service provider uses a satellite up-link situated in a Member State;
  • the service provider uses satellite capacity appertaining to a Member State.

To what extent does freedom of retransmission apply?

Member States shall not restrict retransmissions on their territory of audiovisual media services from other Member States, as long as the programmes broadcast are not of a violent or pornographic nature which could offend the sensibilities of minors.

They may also limit retransmissions if they believe public policy, health and security or consumer protection to be at risk.

What are the obligations of media service providers?

Media service providers shall make the following information available to consumers:

  • their name;
  • their geographical address;
  • their contact details;
  • the competent regulatory or supervisory bodies.

Protection of minors

In order to protect minors against the negative effects of pornographic or violent programmes, such programmes, when broadcast, must be preceded by an acoustic warning or identified by the presence of a visual symbol throughout the broadcast.

Incitement to hatred

Audiovisual media services may not contain any incitement to hatred based on race, sex, religion or nationality.

Accessibility of audiovisual media services

Providers are obliged to improve the accessibility of their services for people with a visual or hearing disability.

The right to information

Member States may take measures aimed at ensuring that certain events, which it considers are of major importance for society, cannot be broadcast exclusively in such a way as to deprive a substantial proportion of the public in that Member State. Each Member State may draw up a list of events and implementation procedures.

For the purpose of short news reports, any broadcaster established in a Member State has the right to access short extracts of events of high interest to the public which are broadcast on an exclusive basis.

Promotion of European and independent works

Broadcasters must devote at least 10% of their transmission time, or 10% of their programming budget, to European works created by producers who are independent of broadcasters, excluding time allocated to:

  • news;
  • sports events;
  • games;
  • advertising;
  • teletext services;
  • teleshopping.

With regard to on-demand audiovisual media services, Member States shall ensure that audiovisual media service providers promote the production of and access to European works. To this end, audiovisual service providers can contribute financially to the production of European works, or they can reserve a share and/or prominence for European works in their catalogue of programmes.

Audiovisual commercial communication

Media service providers provide audiovisual commercial communications *. These must comply with certain conditions:

  • they must be readily recognisable. Surreptitious audiovisual commercial communication shall be prohibited;
  • they shall not use subliminal techniques;
  • they shall not prejudice respect for human dignity;
  • they shall not be discriminatory;
  • they shall not encourage behaviour harmful to the environment;
  • they shall not contain messages relating to alcoholic beverages specifically aimed at minors;
  • they shall not promote tobacco products;
  • they shall restrict the promotion of medicinal products and medical treatments to those available on prescription only;
  • they shall not cause moral or physical detriment to minors.

Certain programmes or audiovisual media services may be sponsored *. In this case, they must meet other types of requirements:

  • they shall not affect the editorial independence of the media service provider;
  • they shall not directly encourage the purchase or rental of goods;
  • viewers shall be informed of the sponsorship agreement.

Product placement is authorised in certain circumstances and in certain types of programmes.

Television advertising and teleshopping

Television advertising and teleshopping shall be distinguishable from editorial content through optical, acoustic or spatial means.

The transmission of films made for television (excluding series, serials and documentaries), cinematographic works and news programmes may be interrupted by television advertising or teleshopping on the condition that the interruption only takes place once for each programme period of 30 minutes.

This Directive repeals Directive 89/552/EC.

Key terms of the Act
  • Media service provider: the natural or legal person who has editorial responsibility for the choice of the audiovisual content of the audiovisual media service and determines the manner in which it is organised;
  • Audiovisual commercial communication: images with or without sound which are designed to promote, directly or indirectly, the goods, services or image of a natural or legal entity pursuing an economic activity;
  • Sponsorship: any contribution made by public or private undertakings or natural persons not engaged in providing audiovisual media services or in the production of audiovisual works, to the financing of audiovisual media services or programmes with a view to promoting their name, trade mark, image, activities or products;
  • Product placement: the inclusion of a product, a service or a trade mark in a programme in return for payment or for similar consideration.

References

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Directive 2010/13/EU

5.5.2010

–

OJ L 95 of 15.4.2010

From a strategy for Africa to an EU-Africa strategic partnership

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From a strategy for Africa to an EU-Africa strategic partnership

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about From a strategy for Africa to an EU-Africa strategic partnership

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These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Development > African Caribbean and Pacific states (ACP)

From a strategy for Africa to an EU-Africa strategic partnership

Document or Iniciative

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council of 27 June 2007 – From Cairo to Lisbon – The EU-Africa Strategic Partnership [COM(2007) 357 final – not published in the Official Journal].

Summary

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: FROM CAIRO TO LISBON

The first historic European Union (EU)-Africa summit, which was held in Cairo in 2000, launched a more structured political dialogue between the EU and Africa, in particular through regular meetings between senior officials and ministers. Following the creation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) in 2001 and the African Union (AU) in 2002, a second summit should have been held in Lisbon in 2003 but was postponed due to controversy over the participation of certain countries.

In October 2005, at a joint meeting with the AU Commission, the European Commission adopted a Communication on the EU strategy for Africa, which was formally approved by the European Council in December of the same year. This strategy has reinforced the coherence of internal EU policy and the coordination of the Commission and the Member States’ policies towards Africa.

In December 2005, participants at the fifth EU-Africa ministerial meeting in Bamako agreed that the next step should be to develop a joint EU-Africa strategy. This position was subsequently confirmed by the European Council in December 2006 and by the AU summit in January 2007.

This joint strategy will serve to reinforce the political dialogue between the EU and Africa in order to:

  • go beyond the framework of simple development cooperation by opening up the dialogue to common political concerns and issues of common interest;
  • go beyond the African continent by moving on from a strategy focused exclusively on African concerns to address European and global issues and, as a result, take action in the relevant fora;
  • move beyond fragmented support for African aspirations to find regional and global solutions to the most important challenges;
  • guarantee increased participation of African and European citizens on the strategic partnership and thus contribute to the strengthening of civil society in both continents.

Following approval of the broad thrust of the joint strategy at the eighth EU-Africa ministerial troika meeting, the finalised strategy was adopted at the second EU-Africa summit (see “Related acts”).

PROPOSALS FOR THE JOINT EU-AFRICA STRATEGY

The joint strategy will pursue four political objectives, namely:

  • reinforcement of the partnership, transforming it into a genuine partnership of equals;
  • promotion of key issues with respect to development, such as peace and security, governance and human rights, trade and regional and continental integration in Africa;
  • joint response to global challenges;
  • promotion of a wide-based and wide-ranging people-centred partnership.

Specifically, the European Commission is proposing five joint initiatives, which will be included in an action plan annexed to the joint strategy. They are:

An energy partnership

This partnership will create a platform aiming at:

  • reinforcing the current dialogue on issues such as access to energy and energy security;
  • scaling up investment in energy infrastructure;
  • investing a higher proportion of oil and gas revenues in development activities;
  • mainstreaming climate change into development cooperation.

Moreover, the partnership should build on existing instruments, such as:

  • the overall framework of the UE-Africa infrastructure partnership and its trust fund;
  • the EU Energy Initiative (EUEI) and its ACP energy facility;
  • the national and regional indicative programmes under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF);
  • the thematic programme on the environment and sustainable management of natural resources, including energy.

Partnership on climate change

The partnership will strengthen cooperation between the EU and the AU in the following areas:

  • disaster risk reduction;
  • halting deforestation;
  • participation of developing countries in the global carbon market;
  • promotion and deployment of environmentally friendly technologies;
  • better monitoring of the environmental effects of climate change.

In January 2007 AU leaders, recognising the vulnerability of Africa to climate change, committed themselves, through the Addis Ababa Declaration, to integrating climate change into their development policies, programmes and activities at national and sub-regional level. This constitutes a sound basis for a partnership between the EU and the AU in this area.

Partnership on migration, mobility and employment

With respect to migration, cooperation between the EU and Africa will involve the establishment of a network of Africa-based migration observatories which will collect, analyse and disseminate information on migration flows within Africa and between Africa and the EU. Special attention will be given to the skilled labour issue.

As regards mobility, the partnership will aim at building African capacity in the area of migration information management. Moreover, it will encourage the movement of skilled labour through the creation of partnerships between European and African institutions such as universities and hospitals.

Finally, in order to offer Africans a genuine alternative to migration to Europe, the partnership will focus on creating more and better jobs in Africa, particularly in the formal economy.

Partnership on democratic governance

The AU and the EU must stimulate the dialogue on governance issues of mutual interest, such as human rights and natural resource management, through the creation of a governance forum that will bring together non-state actors, national parliaments, local authorities and regional organisations. Moreover, the EU will explore new strategies for increasing European Community and Member State funding to support the Pan-African governance architecture.

Political and institutional architecture

The Commission stresses the need to strengthen the dialogue between all EU and AU institutions, in particular between the European Parliament and the Pan-African Parliament, and also between the European Commission and the AU Commission. The EU and the AU could also hold joint ministerial meetings. These efforts will build on the existing biannual EU-Africa ministerial troika meetings and on summits of the Heads of State or Government, which could be held every two or three years alternately in Europe and Africa.

On this basis, the European and African partners are working together to draw up the joint strategy and the action plan. Apart from the aforementioned initiatives, the establishment of partnerships on peace and security, democratic governance and human rights, science, the information society and space is envisaged, with particular emphasis on the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Related Acts

Lisbon declaration [Not published in the Official Journal] (pdf ).

This declaration, which was adopted at the close of the second EU-Africa summit on 8-9 December 2007 by the Heads of State or Government of 53 African countries and the 27 EU Member States, lays the foundations for the new strategic partnership of equals between Africa and the EU. This declaration, which contains the philosophy and commitments of the partnership, was adopted at the same time as the first joint EU-Africa strategy and its first three-year action plan (2008-2010) (pdf ).
The strategic priorities identified form the basis of eight partnerships whose progress will be assessed at the next summit in 2010. These partnerships cover the following areas: peace and security, democratic governance and human rights, trade and regional integration, achieving the MDGs, and energy, as well as science, the information society and space.

Authorised food additives: general scheme

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Authorised food additives: general scheme

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Authorised food additives: general scheme

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These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Other

Authorised food additives: general scheme

Since 1990, all authorised food additives and their conditions of use have been harmonised at European level, in order to protect consumer health and guarantee the free movement of foodstuffs in the European Union (EU).

Document or Iniciative

Council Directive 89/107/EEC of 21 December 1988 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning food additives for use in foodstuffs intended for human consumption. [See amending acts].

Summary

Directive 89/107/EEC

The scope of the Directive covers food additives used as ingredients during the manufacture or preparation of food and which are part of the finished product and listed in one of the categories in Annex I (a “food additive” being any substance not normally consumed as a food itself, the intentional addition of which results in its becoming an ingredient).

The only substances which may be used as food additives are those included in the approved lists and then only under the conditions of use mentioned in those lists (e.g. preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners, raising agents).

The Council draws up:

  • a list of substances the use of which is authorised to the exclusion of all others;
  • a list of foodstuffs to which these substances may be added and the conditions under which they may be added, and restrictions which may be imposed in respect of technological purposes;
  • rules concerning substances used as solvents including purity criteria where necessary.

A special procedure permitting the Commission to legislate after consulting the Standing Committee on Foodstuffs applies to:

  • the drawing up of purity criteria;
  • where necessary, the methods of analysis needed to verify that the purity criteria are satisfied;
  • where necessary, the procedure for taking samples and the methods for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of food additives in and on foodstuffs;
  • other rules necessary to ensure compliance with the rule that only listed additives may be used.

Provisions for action by Member States on listed additives even if the additives which are considered for specific reasons to carry a health risk comply with the Directive.

Conditions for provisional authorisation by a Member State for the marketing and use on its territory of unlisted additives belonging to the categories listed in Annex 1 to the Directive in the light of scientific and technical progress, e.g. maximum limit of two years’ circulation.

Information requirements on labelling and packaging of additives for sale, for the consumer or for the manufacture of foodstuffs.

Directive 94/34/EC

By Directive 94/34/EC Member States are authorised to prohibit the use of certain additives in foodstuffs produced using traditional methods on their territories, provided the prohibition existed on 1 January 1992 and that the free movement of goods is not affected.

However, Member States are required to permit on their territory the production of non-traditional products in conformity with the Directives on additives.

References

Act Entry into force – Date of expiry Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Directive 89/107/EEC 28.12.1988 27.6.1990 OJ L 40 of 11.2.1989
Amending act(s) Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Directive 94/34/EC 10.9.1994 – OJ L 237 of 10.9.1994
Regulation No 1882/2003 [adoption: codecision COD/2004/0237] 20.11.2003 – OJ L 284 of 31.10.2003

Related Acts

Proposal of 28 July 2006 for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on food additives [COM(2006) 428 final – Not published in the Official Journal].

The future Regulation will harmonise all authorised additives added to food in one Community list, by including colours and sweeteners. It will also establish a common authorisation and evaluation procedure.
The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health shall examine all additives which are already authorised and any new ones, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) shall carry out a risk assessment on these products. To authorise a new additive or renew an existing authorisation, the assessment should show that the product is safe, technologically necessary, of benefit to the consumer and that the consumer is not being misled by its use.
The future Regulation will repeal all the provisions in force concerning additives (see below).

The rules on additives are based on:

  • Directive 89/107/EEC;
  • Directive 95/2/EC on food additives other than colours and sweeteners;
  • Directive 94/35/EC on sweeteners;
  • Directive 94/36/EC on colours;
  • and Decision No 292/97/EC (see below).

Decision No 292/97/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 1996 on the maintenance of national laws prohibiting the use of certain additives in the production of certain specific foodstuffs [Official Journal L 48 of 19.02.1997]
This Decision authorises certain Member States to apply legislation prohibiting the use of certain additives in the production, within their territory, of particular foodstuffs which are regarded as traditional. These exceptions do not contradict the provisions relating to agricultural products and foodstuffs as traditional specialities guaranteed.

Reports

Report [COM(2001) 542 final – Not published in the Official Journal]

Report from the Commission of 1 October 2001 on Dietary Food Additive Intake in the European Union.

Authorised colourants

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Authorised colourants

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Authorised colourants

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These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Other

Authorised colourants

Colours, which may be used in foodstuffs, and their conditions of use are harmonised so as to protect consumer health and prevent divergent national legislation from obstructing the free movement of foodstuffs. Updated lists of such colours are regularly produced.

Document or Iniciative

European Parliament and Council Directive 94/36/EC of 30 June 1994 on colours for use in foodstuffs [See amending acts].

Summary

Scope

The Directive applies to the colours used in authorized foodstuffs as listed in Annex I thereto, such as E 100 (curcumin) and E 102 (tartrazine).

The Directive does not apply to:

  • foodstuffs, flavourings and their components, incorporated during the manufacturing of compound foodstuffs, such as paprika and saffron;
  • colours used for the colouring of the external parts of foodstuffs.

The Directive prohibits the use of colours in certain foodstuffs, including mineral water and whole milk.

Committee procedure

The Commission is assisted by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.

Context

Together with Directive 95/45/EC (see the Related Acts section below), the Directive, which is a specific application of the general legislation on additives, has replaced the 1962 legislation concerning colouring matters.

References

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Directive 94/36/EC [adoption: codecision COD/1991/0368] 10.09.1994 31.12.1995 OJ L 237 of 10.09.1994 [corrigenda: OJ L 252 of 04.10.1996 and OJ L 259 of 07.10.1994]
Amending act(s) Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 [adoption: codecision COD/2001/0314] 20.11.2003 – OJ L 284 of 31.10.2003

Related Acts

Specific purity criteria

Commission Directive 95/45/EC of 26 July 1995 laying down specific purity criteria concerning colours for use in foodstuffs [Official Journal L 226 of 22.09.1995].

The Directive lays down, in its Annex, the list of specific purity criteria which apply to the colours mentioned in Directive 94/36/EC.
In order to adapt these criteria to technical progress and to the specifications and analytical techniques concerning colours laid down in the Codex alimentarius drawn up by the Joint FAO-WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, this Directive was last amended by Commission Directive 2006/33/EC [Official Journal L 82 of 21.3.2006] (as regards sunset yellow FCF (E 110) and titanium dioxide (E 171).

Authorised sweeteners

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Authorised sweeteners

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Authorised sweeteners

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These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Other

Authorised sweeteners

The legislation stipulates the sweeteners which may be used in foodstuffs and their conditions of use. The list of authorised sweeteners (in the Annex to the Directive) is updated regularly according to the latest scientific advances in the field.

Document or Iniciative

European Parliament and Council Directive 94/35/EC of 30 June 1994 on sweeteners intended for use in foodstuffs [see Amending acts].

Summary

This Directive is a specific Directive arising from the framework Directive 89/107/EEC on food additives. It applies to food additives used to impart a sweet taste to foodstuffs, together with those for a particular nutritional use or for use as table-top sweeteners. It does not apply to foodstuffs with sweetening properties, such as honey.

Sweeteners are used to replace sugar in the production of energy-reduced foodstuffs, non-cariogenic foodstuffs or food without added sugars, for the extension of shelf life, as well as for the preparation of dietetic products.

Different sweeteners which may be placed on the market as well as their conditions of use in foodstuffs are specified in the Annex. The doses specified refer to ready-to-eat foodstuffs only.

Sweeteners cannot be used in foods for infants and young children mentioned in Directive 89/398/EEC, including foods for infants and young children who are not in good health, except if provided otherwise.

Member States are required to establish a system of regular surveys to monitor sweetener consumption. On the basis of this information, the conditions of use of sweeteners as laid down in this Directive may, if necessary, be amended.

Labelling of table sweeteners containing polyols and/or aspartame must bear the following warnings:

  • polyols: ‘over-consumption may have laxative effects’;
  • aspartame: ‘contains a source of phenylalanine’;
  • aspartame-acesulfame salt: ‘contains a source of phenylalanine’.

Sweeteners authorised by Community regulations must comply with the specific purity criteria defined by Directive 2008/60/EC.

References

Act

Entry into force

Deadline for transposition in the Member States

Official Journal

Directive 94/35/EC

31.12.1995

31.12.1995: authorisation of trade in and use of products conforming to the Directive
30.6.1996: prohibition of trade in and use of products not conforming to the Directive

OJ L 237 of 10.9.1994
Amending act(s)

Entry into force

Deadline for transposition in the Member States

Official Journal

Directive 96/83/EC

26.2.1997

19.12.1997: authorisation of trade in products conforming to the Directive
19.6.1998: prohibition of trade in products not conforming to the Directive

OJ L 48 of 19.2.1997

Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003

20.11.2003

–

OJ L 284 of 31.10.2003

Directive 2003/115/EC

29.1.2004

29.7.2005

29.01.2006 (Products marketed before the Directive came into force)

OJ L 24 of 29.1.2004

Directive 2006/52/EC

15.8.2006

15.2.2008

OJ L 204 of 26.7.2006

Related Acts

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 July 2006 on [ final — Not published in the Official Journal].

The proposed Regulation will harmonise in a Community list all the authorised additives added to foodstuffs, including sweeteners and colours. The proposed Regulation will repeal all the provisions in force concerning additives.
Codecision procedure (COD/2006/0145)

Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 July 2006 establishing a common authorisation procedure for food additives, food enzymes and food flavourings [ — Not published in the Official Journal].
Requests for the authorisation of additives will be incorporated into a harmonised authorisation procedure for additives, enzymes and flavourings.
In order to authorise a new additive or renew an existing authorisation, the evaluation must show that the product is safe, technologically necessary, provides benefits to consumers and is not misleading as to its use.
The European Food Safety Authority will carry out a risk assessment for new authorisation requests.
The Commission will be assisted by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain when granting new authorisations for the placing on the market of food additives, food enzymes and flavourings.
Codecision procedure (COD/2006/0143)

Specific purity criteria

Directive 2008/60/EC [Official Journal L 158 of 18.6.2008] (specific criteria of purity concerning sweeteners for use in foodstuffs).

Labelling

Directive [Official Journal L 88 of 05.04.1996].
Council Directive of 29 March 1996 amending Commission Directive 94/54/EC concerning the compulsory indication on the labelling of certain foodstuffs of particulars other than those provided for in Council Directive 79/112/EEC.
This Directive requires food labels to include relevant information on the sweeteners contained in foodstuffs. It also stipulates that warnings should appear on the labels of foodstuffs containing aspartame or polyols.

Directive [Official Journal L 27 of 31.1.2008].
Other compulsory indications apart from those provided for in Directive 2000/13/EC must be shown on the labels of certain foodstuffs (for example: ‘packaged in a protective atmosphere’, ‘contains a source of phenylalanine’, ‘contains liquorice’, etc.) in order to better inform the consumer.

Autonomous tariff suspensions and quotas

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Autonomous tariff suspensions and quotas

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Autonomous tariff suspensions and quotas

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Other

Autonomous tariff suspensions and quotas

 1) Objective

To define the guiding principles and simplify the procedures on autonomous tariff suspensions and quotas, specifying the economic reasoning behind Community policy in this sector.

2) Document or Iniciative

Commission Communication concerning autonomous tariff suspensions and quotas [Official Journal C 128, 25.04.1998].

3) Summary

The EC Treaty (Article 26 under the new numbering) states that autonomous tariff suspensions and quotas are approved by the Council acting on a qualified majority on a Commission proposal. In this communication, the Commission defines the guiding principles and the procedures it will follow in drawing up the proposals.

The autonomous tariff suspension is an exception to the general rule represented by the Common Customs Tariff, since the measure allows a total or partial waiver of the normal duties applicable to imported goods. If such a measure applies to a limited quantity of goods it is referred to as a quota, if the quantity is unlimited it is known as a suspension.

The aim of autonomous tariff suspensions

Suspensions allow Community businesses to bring in supplies from outside the EU for a limited period, without having to pay normal Common Customs Tariff duties, aiming, among other things:

  • to stimulate economic activity within the Community;
  • to improve the competitiveness of businesses;
  • to create jobs.

Since customs duties have a particular economic function, suspensions can only be granted temporarily and for specific economic reasons in the general interest of the Community.

Products that may benefit from a tariff suspension

In principle, only raw materials, semi-finished goods or components not available within the Community can benefit from a suspension.

Finished products used as components in the final product may benefit from a suspension provided that the added value of the assembly is sufficiently high.

Materials to be used in the production process may benefit from a suspension provided that they are specific and necessary for the manufacture of a clearly identified product and are not jeopardising competing Community enterprises.

The following cannot benefit from a suspension:

  • goods for which an equivalent or substitute product is manufactured in sufficient quantities within the Community or in a third country with preferential tariff arrangements;
  • goods for which a suspension could result in a distortion of competition between Community enterprises;
  • finished products intended for sale to end-consumers;
  • goods subject to an exclusive trading agreement preventing importers from buying them in third countries;
  • goods for which the benefits of the suspension are not passed on to the Community producers;
  • cases where a suspension results in a conflict with another Community policy.

When there is production from the Community or a third country with preferential tariff arrangements but such production is insufficient, quotas covering the unavailable quantities or partial suspensions may be granted.

Only firms producing in the Community can benefit from a suspension.

The suspension procedure

Requests for suspensions should be submitted by the Member States on behalf of Community producers. Applicants should indicate that they have tried, without success, to obtain the products or equivalent or substitute goods from suppliers in the Community or a third country with preferential tariff arrangements.

The Commission only examines suspension requests if they are of benefit to the Community economy. In such cases the economic reasons are examined closely.

Requests are not considered if the amount of uncollected customs duty is estimated to be less than EUR 20 000 per year. However, small and medium-sized enterprises may group together to reach this threshold.

The Council adopts multiannual regulations granting suspensions, updated every six months to take account of new requests and technical or economic trends in products and markets.

Quotas are allocated on a “first come, first served” basis.

If the continuation of a suspension implies the lasting need to supply the Community with products at reduced or zero rates, the Commission may propose an amendment to the autonomous duty of the Common Customs Tariff.

Annex 1 contains details of the administrative procedure to be followed to obtain a suspension.

Annex 2 is a model suspension request form.

Suspensions may be deleted on the request of one of the parties concerned. Any objection to a suspension must have grounds. Such grounds must be submitted in writing using the model in Annex 3.

Act Date of entry into force Final date for implementation in the Member States
Communication 98/C128/02 01.07.1998 –

4) Implementing Measures

5) Follow-Up Work

 

Authorisation of electronic communications networks and services

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Authorisation of electronic communications networks and services

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Authorisation of electronic communications networks and services

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Internal market > Single market for services

Authorisation of electronic communications networks and services

Document or Iniciative

Directive 2002/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on the authorisation of electronic communications networks and services (Authorisation Directive).

Summary

Directive 2002/20/EC is part of the “Telecoms Package”, the new legislative framework for the electronic communications sector which replaces the existing legislation on telecommunications. The Package comprises four other directives relating to the general framework, interconnection, universal service and the protection of privacy. The “Telecoms Package” has been amended in December 2009 by two Directives “Better legislation” and the “Right of citizens”, as well as by the establishment of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC).

Scope, objective and general principle

The provisions of this Directive cover authorisations for all electronic communications networks and services, whether they are provided to the public or not. However, they only apply to the granting of rights to use radio frequencies where such use involves the provision of an electronic communications network or service, normally for remuneration.

The aim is to establish a harmonised market for electronic communications networks and services by limiting regulation to the minimum that is strictly necessary.

The main innovation is the replacement of individual licences by general authorisations, while a special scheme for attributing frequencies and numbers continues to exist. According to this principle, the provision of electronic communications networks or services may only be subject to a general authorisation. In other words, the undertaking concerned may be required to submit a notification but it may not be required to obtain an explicit decision or any other administrative act by the national regulatory authority (NRA) before exercising the rights stemming from the authorisation. Undertakings providing cross-border services shall not be required to submit more than one notification per Member State concerned.

A clear distinction is made between the conditions applicable under the general authorisation and those linked to the rights to use radio frequencies and numbers.

Minimum rights derived from the general authorisation

The general authorisation gives undertakings the right to provide electronic communications networks and services and to negotiate interconnection with other providers in the European Community. When such undertakings provide electronic communications networks or services to the public, the general authorisation makes them eligible to be designated to provide certain universal service functions.

Rights of use for radio frequencies and numbers

Member States shall facilitate the use of radio frequencies through general authorisations, but they may make the use of radio frequencies subject to the grant of individual rights with a view to:

  • avoiding harmful interference;
  • ensuring technical quality of service;
  • safeguarding efficient use of spectrum;
  • ensuring the fulfilment of other general interest objectives defined by Member States.

Decisions on rights of use must be taken and made public as soon as possible after receipt of the complete application by the NRA. This must be done within three weeks in the case of numbers that have been allocated to be used within the national numbering plan, and within six weeks in the case of radio frequencies that have been allocated for specific purposes within the national frequency plan.

Conditions attached to the general authorisation and to specific rights of use

The general authorisation and the rights of use may be subject only to the conditions listed in the Annex to the Directive relating to:

  • financial contributions to funding of the universal service;
  • interoperability of services and interconnection of networks;
  • accessibility and portability of numbers– portability means that users have the option to keep their telephone number when they change operator;
  • rules on privacy protection and, more specifically, the protection of minors;
  • obligation to transmit certain television and radio programmes (“must carry”);
  • environmental and town and country planning requirements;
  • possible imposition of administrative charges on undertakings;
  • restrictions concerning the broadcast of illegal content;
  • use of the radio spectrum.

Procedure for limiting the rights of use for radio frequencies

Where a Member State is considering whether to limit the number of rights of use to be granted for radio frequencies or whether to extend the duration of existing rights in accordance with specific terms, certain conditions and procedures have to be followed, such as consultation of all interested parties, publication of any decisions together with the reasons, and the review, at reasonable intervals, of the limitation.

Where the granting of rights of use for radio frequencies needs to be limited, Member States must grant such rights on the basis of selection criteria which must be objective, transparent, non-discriminatory and proportionate.

Where a Member State concludes that further rights of use for radio frequencies can be granted, it must publish that conclusion and invite applications for such rights.

Compliance with the conditions of the general authorisation or of specific rights of use

The NRAs monitor and supervise compliance with the requirements of the general authorisation or the rights of use and specific obligations.

Where an undertaking does not comply with one or more of these conditions, the NRA must give it a reasonable opportunity to state its views or remedy any breaches within a reasonable period. If the undertaking concerned does not remedy the breaches within the set period, Member States may empower the relevant authorities to impose orders to cease or financial penalties. In cases of serious and repeated breaches, the NRAs may prevent an undertaking from continuing to provide electronic communications networks or services or suspend or withdraw rights of use.

Administrative charges and fees

The NRAs are authorised to impose administrative charges on undertakings providing a service or a network under the general authorisation or to whom a right of use has been granted. Administrative charges may include costs for international cooperation, harmonisation and standardisation, market analysis and regulatory work. The imposition of administrative charges requires NRAs to publish a yearly overview of their administrative costs and of the total sum of the charges collected.

The competent authority may also charge a fee for the rights of use of radio frequencies and for rights to install facilities.

References

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal

Directive 2002/20/EC

24.2.2002

24.7.2003

OJ L 108 of 24.4.2002
Amending act(s) Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal

Directive 2009/140/EC

19.2.2009

25.5.2011

OJ L 337 of 18.12.2009

The successive amendments and corrections to Directive 2002/20/EC have been incorporated in the original text. This consolidated versionis of documentary value only.

AMENDMENTS TO THE ANNEXES

Annex
Directive 2009/140/EC [Official Journal OJ L 337 of 18.12.2009].

Related Act

Commission guidelines on market analysis and assessment of significant market power pursuant to the Community regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services [Official Journal C165 of 11.7.2002].

In compliance with the new regulatory framework for communications services, these guidelines, which were adopted in July 2002, set out the principles on which the national regulatory authorities must base their market analysis in order to guarantee effective competition.

Authorisation and supervision of medicinal products – European Medicines Agency

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Authorisation and supervision of medicinal products – European Medicines Agency

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Authorisation and supervision of medicinal products – European Medicines Agency

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Internal market > Pharmaceutical and cosmetic products

Authorisation and supervision of medicinal products – European Medicines Agency

Document or Iniciative

Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 March 2004 laying down Community procedures for the authorisation and supervision of medicinal products for human and veterinary use and establishing a European Medicines Agency [See amending acts].

Summary

With this Regulation, the European Union (EU) develops and improves European procedures for the authorisation, supervision and pharmacovigilance of medicinal products for human and veterinary use. The Regulation also provides the legal basis for the European Medicines Agency, which was established in 1993.

AUTHORISATION OF MEDICINAL PRODUCTS

Scope

No medicinal product appearing in the Annex may be placed on the European market without prior authorisation from the EU. The centralised authorisation procedure will be compulsory for:

  • medicinal products derived from biotechnology;
  • advanced therapy medicinal products;
  • orphan medicinal products;
  • medicinal products containing an entirely new active substance for which the therapeutic indication is the treatment of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, cancer, neurodegenerative disorder or diabetes, auto-immune diseases and other immune dysfunctions and viral diseases.

The centralised authorisation procedure will be optional for:

  • other medicinal products containing a new active substance;
  • medicinal products which constitute a therapeutic, scientific or technical innovation or are of interest at Community level.

Immunological veterinary medicinal products for the treatment of animal diseases that are subject to Community prophylactic measures may also be granted such authorisation. Finally, generic medical products of reference medicinal products authorised by the EU may be subject to a decentralised authorisation procedure, provided that the harmonisation achieved at European level is maintained.

Authorisation of medicinal products for human use

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use is part of the European Medicines Agency. It is responsible for drawing up the opinion of the Agency on any matter concerning the evaluation of medicinal products for human use.

Each application for authorisation must be accompanied by the particulars and documents referred to in Directive 2001/83/EC on the Community code relating to medicinal products for human use, and by the fee payable to the Agency. It should also contain a statement to the effect that clinical trials carried out outside the European Union meet the principles of good clinical practice and the ethical requirements of Directive 2001/20/EC on good clinical practice in the conduct of clinical trials on medicinal products for human use.

Each authorisation decision must be taken on the basis of scientific criteria concerning the quality, safety and efficacy of the medicinal product concerned. These three criteria make it possible to assess the risk-benefit balance of all medicinal products. The Committee verifies first of all that conditions for granting a marketing authorisation are satisfied. If this is not the case, the applicant is informed forthwith and he/she may give notice to the Agency within fifteen days that he/she wishes to request a re-examination of the opinion.

In general, the Committee must give its opinion within 210 days after receipt of the application. This analysis may involve a test being conducted on the medicinal product, its starting materials or its intermediate products and a specific inspection of the manufacturing site of the medicinal product concerned.

Within 15 days after receipt of the opinion, the Commission prepares a draft of the decision on the application which may contain the marketing authorisation. If this draft decision is not in accordance with the opinion of the Agency, the Commission annexes an explanation of the reasons for the differences, which is forwarded to Member States and the applicant. The Commission takes a final decision following a procedure of consultation of the Member States (comitology) within 15 days of the end of the procedure.

After verification of the particulars and documents submitted, the marketing authorisation may be refused if:

  • the applicant has not properly or sufficiently demonstrated the quality, safety or efficacy of the medicinal product;
  • the particulars provided are incorrect.

At the time of authorisation, or once the marketing authorisation has been issued, the Agency may recommend that the Commission impose an obligation to carry out:

  • a post-authorisation safety study;
  • a post-authorisation efficacy study.

These obligations are contained in the authorisation and in the risk management system.

The marketing authorisation is valid for five years and may be renewed. Once it has been renewed, the marketing authorisation is valid for an unlimited period unless the Commission once again opts for a validity of five years.

Authorisation of medicinal products for veterinary use

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use is part of the Agency. It has sole responsibility for preparing the Agency’s opinions on all questions concerning the evaluation of veterinary medicinal products.

Most of the above considerations apply in this field, subject to adjustments relating to certain technical or scientific characteristics.

The marketing authorisation may be refused if:

  • the applicant has not properly or sufficiently demonstrated the quality, safety or efficacy of the medicinal product;
  • the product is presented for a use prohibited under European law;
  • the health and welfare of animals or consumer safety are not sufficiently taken into account in the case of zootechnical veterinary medicines and performance enhancers;
  • the withdrawal period indicated by the applicant is not long enough to ensure that foodstuffs obtained from treated animals do not contain residues which might constitute a health hazard for the consumer.

For both categories of medicinal products, if the products marketed are of major therapeutic interest, the applicant can request an accelerated assessment procedure.

The refusal of an EU marketing authorisation constitutes a prohibition on the placing on the market of the medicinal product throughout the EU. Any marketing authorisation which is not followed by the actual placing of the medicinal product on the market for three consecutive years ceases to be valid.

SUPERVISION OF MEDICINAL PRODUCTS (PHARMACOVIGILANCE)

Pharmacovigilance rules are necessary in order to protect public health and to prevent, detect and assess the undesirable effects of medicinal products for human use placed on the EU market, insofar as the safety profile of medicinal products can only be fully appreciated after products have been marketed. In the light of the knowledge obtained and following an assessment by the Commission of the EU pharmacovigilance system, it transpired that measures to improve the European pharmacovigilance system were required.

The Regulation provides for increased market surveillance by reinforcing monitoring procedures. When the medicinal product has been manufactured in the EU, the supervisory authorities are the competent authorities of the Member States which granted the manufacturing authorisation. In the case of medicinal products imported from third countries, the competent authorities are those that granted the import authorisation. These must inform the Committee for Medicinal Products and the Commission of all instances where the manufacturer or importer fails to fulfil the obligations laid down.

The holder of a marketing authorisation for a medicinal product for human or veterinary use is obliged to make any variations that may be required taking account of the manufacturing methods and of technical and scientific progress in accordance with Directives 2001/83/EC and 2001/82/EC.

The holder must also ensure that the medicinal product is manufactured and monitored according to generally accepted scientific methods. He/she must supply to the Agency, to the Commission and to the Member States any new information which might entail the variation of the particulars or documents they have obtained. He/she must also relay any prohibition or restriction imposed in countries in which the medicinal product is marketed, as well as any other information which might influence the evaluation of the benefits and risks of the medicinal product. The holder of the marketing authorisation must also forward the results of clinical trials or other studies. This information must be updated regularly on the basis of recent scientific knowledge.

When there are serious differences of opinion between Member States with respect to whether the holder of a marketing authorisation, a manufacturer or an importer satisfies the requirements set in Directives 2001/83/EC and 2001/82/EC, the Commission may request a new inspection of the marketing authorisation holder, the manufacturer or the importer.

Where urgent action is essential to protect human health or the environment, a Member State may suspend the use in its territory of an authorised medicinal product.

Risk management

The holders of marketing authorisations issued prior to 2 July 2012 are not obliged to implement a risk management system for each medicinal product.

However, the Agency may nevertheless impose upon the holder of a marketing authorisation an obligation to implement such a system if it detects risks that might modify the risk-benefit balance of an authorised medicinal product.

Obligations incumbent upon holders of marketing authorisations, Member States, the Agency and the Commission apply to safety notices concerning medicinal products for human use.

The Agency must draw up and update a list of medicinal products that are to be the subject of further monitoring. This list must give:

  • the name of and active substances contained in medicinal products authorised in the EU if such medicinal products contain a new active substance which, until 1 January 2011, was not contained in any medicinal product authorised in the Union;
  • the name of and active substances contained in any biological medicinal product authorised after 1 January 2011.

EudraVigilance database

The Agency has set up the EudraVigilance database, the aim of which is to collate pharmacovigilance information relating to medicinal products authorised in the EU and to make such information accessible to the competent authorities.

EudraVigilance collects information relating to the undesirable effects on humans arising following use, whether compliant or not, of medicinal products, or those which come to light during post-authorisation studies. On the basis of this information, the Agency prepares an annual report which is sent to the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council.

The Agency takes the following measures concerning medicinal products for human use that have been authorised by means of the centralised procedure:

  • monitoring the results of measures to minimise the risks outlined in risk management plans;
  • assessment of updates to risk management systems;
  • monitoring information contained in the EudraVigilance database.

Cooperation

The Agency collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) as regards pharmacovigilance, as well as with the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.

It collaborates with the Member States on the international harmonisation and standardisation of technical measures related to pharmacovigilance.

PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE EUROPEAN MEDICINES AGENCY

The European Medicines Agency is made up of different committees, including the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Advisory Committee, the Paediatric Committee, the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products, the Committee for Advanced Therapies, a secretariat and a Management Board. Each Member State appoints one member and one alternate of the Management Board and one member and one alternate to the Committees. The members of each Committee may be accompanied by experts in specific scientific or technical fields.

The Agency is specifically responsible for:

  • providing the Member States and the EU institutions with the best possible scientific advice on any question relating to the evaluation of the quality, safety and efficacy of medicinal products for human or veterinary use which are referred to it;
  • coordinating the scientific evaluation of the quality, safety and efficacy of medicinal products which are subject to European marketing authorisation procedures and the scientific resources put at its disposal by Member States for the evaluation, supervision and pharmacovigilance of medicinal products;
  • coordinating the supervision of medicinal products for human use which have been authorised in the EU;
  • keeping, and transmitting on request, assessment reports and information on authorised medicinal products;
  • collecting and disseminating information on potential adverse reactions to medicinal products for human use authorised in the EU, by means of a database permanently accessible to all Member States;
  • assisting Member States with the rapid communication of information to health-care professionals;
  • creating a database on medicinal products which is accessible to the general public;
  • advising on the maximum limits for residues of veterinary medicinal products and biocidal products used in animal husbandry which may be accepted in foodstuffs of animal origin.

Each committee establishes a standing working party with the sole remit of providing scientific advice to businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), during the research stage and when developing new therapies. The objective is to stimulate pharmaceutical research in Europe, and thus allow patients to benefit earlier from more effective medicinal products.

The Agency’s revenue consists of a contribution from the EU and fees paid by undertakings for obtaining and maintaining EU marketing authorisations and for other services provided by the Agency. SMEs may pay reduced fees, defer payment of the fee, or receive administrative assistance under certain conditions.

References

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal

Regulation (EC) No 726/2004

20.5.2004

–

OJ L 136, 30.4.2004
Amending act(s) Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal

Regulation (EC) No 1901/2006

26.1.2007

–

OJ L 378, 27.12.2006

Regulation (EC) No 1394/2007

3.12.2007

–

OJ L 324, 10.12.2007

Regulation (EC) No 219/2009

20.4.2009

–

OJ L 87, 31.3.2009

Regulation (EC) No 470/2009

6.7.2009

–

OJ L 152, 16.6.2009

Regulation (EU) No 1235/2010

1.1.2011 (applicable from 2.7.2012)

–

OJ L 348, 31.12.2010

Subsequent amendments and corrections to Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 have been incorporated in the basic text. This consolidated version  has a purely documentary value”.

Related Acts

Commission Regulation (EC) No 658/2007 of 14 June 2007 concerning financial penalties for infringement of certain obligations in connection with marketing authorisations granted under Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council [Official Journal L 155 of 15 June 2007].

This Regulation lays down rules concerning the application of financial penalties to the holders of marketing authorisations who infringe certain obligations. It provides for two types of financial penalties: fines and periodic penalty payments.

Commission Regulation (EC) No 507/2006 of 29 March 2006 on the conditional marketing authorisation for medicinal products for human use falling within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council [Official Journal L 92 of 30 March 2006].

Commission Regulation (EC) No 2049/2005 of 15 December 2005 laying down, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 726/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council, rules regarding the payment of fees to, and the receipt of administrative assistance from, the European Medicines Agency by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises [Official Journal L 329 of 16 December 2005].

Autorisation to fish in third-country waters

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Autorisation to fish in third-country waters

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Autorisation to fish in third-country waters

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Maritime Affairs And Fisheries > External relations and enlargement

Autorisation to fish in third-country waters

Document or Iniciative

Council Regulation (EC) No 1006/2008 of 29 September 2008 concerning authorisations for fishing activities of Community fishing vessels outside Community waters and the access of third country vessels to Community waters, amending Regulations (EEC) No 2847/93 and (EC) No 1627/94 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 3317/94.

Summary

This Regulation lays down the procedures to be followed for the granting of fishing authorisations *. These authorisations permit Community fishing vessels to engage in their activities outside Community waters and third country fishing vessels to engage in fishing activities in Community waters. Authorisations are granted in the light of a certain number of eligibility criteria associated with the international obligations entered into by the Community and the provisions of this Regulation.

FISHING ACTIVITIES OF COMMUNITY VESSELS OUTSIDE COMMUNITY WATERS

To engage in fishing activities in third country waters, Community vessels must obtain an authorisation issued in accordance with this Regulation.

Granting of fishing authorisations

The flag Member State shall transmit the applications for fishing vessels flying its flag to the Commission no later than five working days before the deadline stated in the agreement or in accordance with the arrangement provided for in the agreement with the third country.

The Commission shall verify the applications in accordance with the eligibility criteria and shall ensure that the eligible applications are transmitted to the third country concerned.

The Commission shall inform the flag Member State that the third country concerned has decided to grant or not to grant the fishing authorisation for a particular vessel.

The flag Member State shall notify this information to the owner of the fishing vessel.

Applications shall be processed electronically.

The Commission shall not transmit the applications to the third country concerned if the eligibility criteria are not complied with.

Community information system

The Commission shall set up a Community information system containing the information relating to the authorisations issued in accordance with this Regulation. This electronic system shall be secure. Member States shall ensure that the information which it contains is up-to-date at all times.

Suspension or withdrawal of a fishing authorisation

If the third country decides to suspend or withdraw a fishing authorisation for a vessel flying the flag of a Member State, the Commission shall inform the State concerned immediately. The flag Member State must then either temporarily suspend or permanently withdraw the fishing permit granted to the vessel concerned.

Underutilisation of fishing opportunities

To ensure that the fishing opportunities made available to the Community under the fishing agreements are fully utilised, the Commission may, in accordance with certain criteria, temporarily reallocate the fishing opportunities not utilised by a Member State to one or more other Member States.

FISHING ACTIVITIES OF THIRD COUNTRY VESSELS IN COMMUNITY WATERS

To engage in fishing activities in Community waters, third country vessels must obtain a fishing authorisation from the Commission.

Granting of fishing authorisations

The competent authorities of the third country shall submit to the Commission, through electronic transmission, the applications for fishing authorisations for vessels flying the flags of those third countries.

The Commission shall examine the applications for fishing authorisations in accordance with the eligibility criteria and taking account of the fishing opportunities allocated to the third country and shall issue the fishing authorisations in accordance with the measures adopted by the Council and the provisions contained in the agreement concerned.

The Commission shall inform the competent authorities of the third country and of the Member States of the fishing authorisations issued.

Failure to comply with relevant rules

Member States shall notify the Commission as soon as they record a third country fishing vessel committing an infringement in Community waters. No fishing permit shall be then issued to the fishing vessels from the third country concerned for a period not exceeding twelve months.

Transmission of catches and fishing effort

The Regulation lays down provisions relating to the declaration of catch data and, where appropriate, fishing effort.

CONTEXT

This Regulation follows on from the 2006-2008 Action Plan for simplifying and improving the Common Fisheries Policy.

This Regulation repeals Regulation (EC) No 3317/94.

Key terms of the Act
  • Fishing autorisation: the entitlement to engage in fishing activities during a specified period, in a given area or for a given fishery.

References

Act Entry into force Deadline for transposition in the Member States Official Journal
Regulation (EC) No 1006/2008

18.11.2008

–

OJ L 286 of 29.10.2008

Audiovisual and media

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Audiovisual and media

Outline of the Community (European Union) legislation about Audiovisual and media

Topics

These categories group together and put in context the legislative and non-legislative initiatives which deal with the same topic.

Audiovisual and media

Audiovisual and media

Audiovisual media (radio broadcasting, television and cinema) represent more than a million jobs in the European Union and constitute the primary source of information and entertainment for Europeans. The Community’s objectives in terms of audiovisual matters are European cultural diversity, the protection of minors, the promotion of media diversity, as well as increased European film production.
In this context, the Union encourages cooperation between Member Sates and supports their action on the basis of Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (EU). The “Audiovisual Media Services” (AMS) Directive and the Media Programme are the two cornerstones of Community audiovisual policy.

TELEVISION WITHOUT FRONTIERS

  • Audiovisual Media Services (AMS) Directive
  • “Audiovisual media services without frontiers” Directive
  • Television broadcasting activities: “Television without Frontiers” (TVWF) Directive

Revision process of the TVWF Directive

  • The future of European regulatory audiovisual policy
  • Provisions of the TWF directive on televised advertising (interpretative communication)

MEDIA PROGRAMMES

  • Media Mundus audiovisual cooperation programme with professionals from third countries 2011-2013
  • MEDIA 2007: programme of support for the European audiovisual sector
  • MEDIA Plus (2001-2006): programme to encourage the development, distribution and promotion of European works
  • MEDIA-Training (2001-2006): training programme for professionals in the European audiovisual programme industry
  • Media II (1996-2000): programme encouraging the development and distribution of European audiovisual works
  • Training programme for professionals in the audiovisual industry (MEDIA II Training) (1996-2000)
  • Action programme to promote the development of the European audiovisual industry (Media) (1991-1995)

PROTECTION OF MINORS AND HUMAN DIGNITY

  • Protecting children in the digital world
  • Protection of minors and human dignity in audiovisual and information services (2006 recommendation)
  • Protection of minors and human dignity (1998 Recommendation)
  • Protection of minors and human dignity in audiovisual and information services: Green Paper

DIGITAL TELEVISION AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA

  • Digital Agenda for Europe
  • Digitising cultural heritage online
  • European cinema: opportunities and challenges in the digital era
  • Media literacy in the digital environment
  • Towards a single market in creative content online
  • Media literacy in the digital age
  • Community policy on digital video broadcasting
  • Principles and guidelines for the Community’s audiovisual policy in the digital age

Switchover to digital broadcasting

  • Strengthening the internal market for mobile TV
  • Legal framework for mobile TV
  • Switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting
  • Interoperability of digital interactive television services

Interactive media

  • Online access to Europe’s cultural heritage
  • i2010: Digital libraries
  • Interactive media content in Europe
  • Protection of video game users

STATE AID RULES

  • National aid to the film and audiovisual industries
  • State aid for public service broadcasting
  • State aid for public service broadcasting

HIGH DEFINITION TELEVISION

  • High-definition television – HDTV

BODIES AND AGENCIES

  • Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency
  • Community participation in the European Audiovisual Observatory

ENLARGEMENT

Ongoing enlargement

  • Turkey – Information society and media
  • Croatia – Information Society and Media
  • The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – Information society and media
  • Iceland – Information society and media

Enlargement of January 2007

  • Bulgaria
  • Romania

Enlargement of May 2004

  • Cyprus
  • Estonia
  • Hungary
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Malta
  • Poland
  • The Czech Republic
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia