EU COMMISSION URGES 19 MEMBER STATES TO GO THROUGH WITH THE EU DIGITAL AND MEDIA LAWS

On the 23th of September 2021, the EU Commission took a legal action against 19 Member States failing to deliver the benefits of EU digital legislation in the area of audio-visual media and telecommunications.

These Member States are required to transpose into their national laws two new sets of rules, without further delay: the Audio-Visual Media Services Directive and the European Electronic Communications Code, and inform the Commission about this transposition. Both Directives are crucial for the EU's digital transition, after having been commonly agreed by Member States, and had to be transposed by end-2020.

ØAudio-Visual Media Services Directive

The Audio-Visual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) aims to ensure a fair single market for broadcast services that keeps up with technological developments. It coordinates EU-wide legislation on all audio-visual media, including both traditional TV broadcasters and on-demand video services, and lays down essential protection measures with regard to content shared on video-sharing platforms.

Due to the delayed transposition, citizens and businesses in Czechia, Estonia, Ireland, Spain, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Slovenia and Slovakia may not be able to rely on all the provisions of the AVMSD.

ØEuropean Electronic Communications Code

EU action in the area of electronic communications has led to greater consumer choice, lower phone bills, and higher standards of telecommunications service. The European Electronic Communications Code modernises EU telecoms rules, making them fit for the digital era. Due to the delayed transposition, consumers and businesses in Estonia, Spain, Croatia, Ireland, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Sweden may not benefit from rules.

Please find the press release here.

Kind regards,

Zumbul Attorneys-at-Law

info@zumbul.av.tr