Today, the European Parliament voted to reject the inclusion of audiovisual services in the Geo-blocking Regulation. Public service media welcomes this outcome and notes the considerable difference of opinion on the matter among MEPs.  

Vincent Sneed, Senior EU Policy Adviser, EBU said: "The EBU supports territorial exclusivity on multiple fronts, notably it protects our Members from the unsustainable costs imposed on public service media, originally established to cater to national audiences. This is why we are happy that a significant majority of MEPs endorsed the preservation of territoriality today, It reflects a shared understanding and determination to protect one of the EU's pivotal economic sectors, embodying the essence of 'united in diversity.'” He added, “This outcome is a testament to the Vote4Culture campaign, uniting the creative sector and underscoring the unique role and values of public media in showcasing the diversity and richness inherent in the EU's creative landscape." 

This divisive and non-legally binding resolution, may or may not be taken into account by the European Commission in the coming months. The evaluation process will need to incorporate both existing and emerging audiovisual offerings within the evolving landscape.