The digital age has had a profound impact on many sectors, and culture is no exception! It has opened new and exciting opportunities for cultural industries… but it has also raised new challenges, related to skills, accessibility or affordability.

EPRS policy podcast - Digital culture − Access issues

The European Commission found that Apple breached its anti-steering obligation under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and that Meta breached the DMA obligation to give consumers the choice of a service that uses less of their personal data. Therefore, the Commission has fined Apple and Meta.

According to&nbsp;<a data-analytics-event-attached="true" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/meps/en/86793/ANNA_CAVAZZINI/home" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anna Cavazzini</a>&nbsp;(Greens/EFA, DE), Chair of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection,

"...this&nbsp;&nbsp;decision is by no means the start of a ‘tech war’ in response to Trump's erratic tariff policy. Instead, it is the consistent implementation of existing EU law. This includes, as a last resort, imposing fines on Apple and Meta under the DMA regulation to ensure they comply with EU digital legislation.&nbsp;It is very easy for companies to avoid this: they just have to comply with European law.”

The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA) have two main goals: to create a safer digital space in which the fundamental rights of all users of digital services are protected and to establish a level playing field to foster innovation, growth, and competitiveness, both in the European Single Market and globally.

The&nbsp;Digital Services Act (DSA)&nbsp;aims to create a safer digital space in which users rights are protected, including rules to tackle illegal content online, enhance the accountability and transparency of algorithms, and dealing with content moderation and targeted advertising.

Digital Markets Act&nbsp; (DMA) sets rules on what big online platforms will be allowed to do and not do in the EU. It&nbsp;blacklists certain practices of large platforms acting as “gatekeepers” and enables the Commission to carry out market investigations and sanction non-compliant behaviour.

Digital Services and Digital Markets Act

A Digital Single Market (DSM) is one in which the free movement of persons, services and capital is ensured and where the individuals and businesses can seamlessly access and engage in online activities under conditions of fair competition, and a high level of consumer and personal data protection, irrespective of their nationality or place of residence.

Digital single market

The Digital Single Market strategy aims to open up digital opportunities for people and business and enhance Europe's position as a world leader in the digital economy. In this framework, a new legislative package for the modernisation of the EU copyright rules is presented by the Commission in September 2016.

A Digital Single Market (DSM) is one in which the free movement of persons, services and capital is ensured and where the individuals and businesses can seamlessly access and exercise online activities under conditions of fair competition, and a high level of consumer and personal data protection, irrespective of their nationality or place of residence. 
The European Commission has identified the completion of the Digital Single Market (DSM) as one of its 10 political priorities. 
Among its directives, a new directive on copyright in the digital single market. The purpose is to adapt EU copyright legislation to the digital environment, which is quickly changing the way copyright-protected works and content are created, produced, distributed and exploited in the European Union.

Digital single market - Copyright directive - 8th parliamentary term

Following political agreement with the Council, a vote in plenary on 2 October 2018 saw Parliament adopt the updated EU Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), based on the proposal presented by the Commission on 25 May 2016.

The overarching goal of the proposal was to bring about a balance between competitiveness and consumer protection. It therefore aimed to introduce flexibility when restrictions only applicable to TV are no longer justified, promote European films, protect minors and tackle hate speech more efficiently. The proposal also reflected a new approach to online platforms. Following adoption of the revised directive, EU Member States now have to bring the new rules into national law by 19 September 2020.

Audiovisual Media Services Directive

Thanks to the Roaming Regulation roaming charges ended on 15 June 2017. Europeans travelling within the EU only pay domestic prices for calls, SMS and data. The scheme was due to expire on 30 June 2022.
The EU will renew the “Roam Like At Home” scheme for another ten years, under plans adopted by Parliament during March mini-session.
The legislation, a follow-up to the 2017 elimination of roaming surcharges and agreed between Parliament and Council in December means consumers will continue to be able to use their mobile phones when travelling abroad in the EU with no additional fees on top of what they already pay at home. In addition, they will enjoy the same quality and speed of mobile connection abroad as at home. Roaming providers will be obliged to offer the same roaming quality to that provided domestically, if the same conditions are available on the network of the visiting country. In negotiations with Council, MEPs secured a provision in the new rules to prohibit practices that reduce the quality of roaming services (e.g. by switching the connection from 4G to 3G).

Roaming

On 1 and 2 October, EU leaders meet in Brussels to discuss foreign affairs, in particular relations with Turkey and the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The leaders are also expected to address relations with China, the situation in Belarus and the poisoning of Alexei Navalny. The single market, industrial policy and digital transformation are also on the agenda

The summit, initially planned for 24 and 25 September, has been postponed as President Michel is in quarantine.

Special European Council, 1-2 October 2020

On 6 April 2022 MEPs backed new legislation to increase the availability of data for start-ups and businesses to stimulate innovation. The Data Governance Act (DGA), already agreed by MEPs with EU governments, aims to boost data sharing and help unlock the potential of Artificial Intelligence. It establishes new EU rules on the neutrality of data marketplaces, facilitates the reuse of certain data held by the public sector - e.g. certain health, agricultural or environmental data - and creates common European data spaces in strategic domains, including health, environment, energy, agriculture, mobility, finance, manufacturing, public administration and skills.

 
The overall objective of the proposed regulation is to give customers better access to goods and services in the single market.

Geo-blocking

EP Plenary session - Measures for a high level of public sector interoperability across the Union (Interoperable Europe Act)

EP Plenary session - Short presentation on eGovernment accelerating digital public services that support the functioning of the single market

Enforcement of the Digital Markets Act is under way. The European Commission has launched formal proceedings against three major providers of core platform services. The Commission's preliminary findings suggest breaches of EU rules. To date, two of these preliminary findings have been confirmed, resulting in non-compliance decisions and fines for the companies in April 2025.

Digital Markets Act enforcement: Gatekeeper designation

Press conference on The Data Act

EP Plenary session - Data Act

Trilogue meeting on the Commission's proposal for a Digital Markets Act

EP plenary session- European Skills Agenda for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience

IMCO Public Hearing on  Product Liability Directive: protecting consumers in the Digital Single Market

EP plenary session - USTR announcement section 301 investigation regarding the digital service tax

EP Press conference on the copyright directive

Plenary session - Supply of digital content and online sales of goods

Plenary session - Copyright in the Digital Single Market

Demonstration outside the LOW building in Strasbourg ahead of a vote in plenary session on the copyright directive

JURI - Digital Single Market - Final vote on copyright in the Digital Single Market

EP Press conference on ' The deal in trilogue on the copyright directive for the digital single market '

DG COMM press seminar on the Digital Single Market- Focus - Artificial Intelligence

This video displays the statement by Anna CAVAZZINI (Greens/EFA, DE), Chair of the Euroepan Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) Committee, on the first fines for breaches of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The European Commission determined today, 23rd of April 2025, that Apple violated the DMA's anti-steering rules, while Meta failed to comply with the requirement to offer users a less data-intensive service. As a result, Apple was fined €500 million and Meta €200 million. The DMA aims to ensure contestable and fair markets in the digital sector. It regulates gatekeepers, which are large digital platforms that provide an important gateway between business users and consumers.

Statement by Anna CAVAZZINI (Greens/EFA, DE), Chair of IMCO Committee, on the first fines for breaches of the Digital Markets Act (DMA)

With lessons learnt from the pandemic and the recent geopolitical and energy crisis, lawmakers focus on Europe’s green and digital transition to build a resilient economy and strengthen democratic oversight and fundamental rights. This video showcases extracts from debates, press conferences, trilogues and votes highlighting the European Parliament's strides in policy domains pledged by the Parliament, Council, and Commission to fulfill under the Digital Agenda before the 2024 European Elections. These areas include the Digital Market Act, Digital Service Act and Artificial Intelligence Act, reflecting the collective dedication to digital innovation and regulatory coherence.

European Parliament’s priorities and achievements (2019-2024): Safe and competitive digital environment

EP Plenary session - Voting session (part 1) incl. packaging waste and air quality

Four COD LEX texts are scheduled to be signed on Wednesday, 28 February 2024 by President Metsola and Mathieu Michel, Belgian Secretary of State for digitisation, administrative simplification, privacy protection and building regulation, on behalf of the Belgian Presidency.

LEX signing ceremony in presence of Roberta METSOLA, EP President and Mathieu MICHEL, Belgian Secretary of State for digitisation

Elisabetta GUALMINI (S&D, IT), rapporteur, and Dragoș PÎSLARU (Renew, RO), EMPL Committee Chair, hold a press conference on the outcome of the negotiations with the Council on new rules for people working through digital labour platforms. This transcription is a result of an authomatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press conference by Elisabetta GUALMINI (S&D, IT), rapporteur, and Dragoș PÎSLARU (Renew, RO), EMPL Committee Chair on the outcome of the negotiations with the Council on new rules for people working through digital labour platforms

Institutional relations between the EU and the Council of Europe -LorántVINCZE(EPP, RO), Sustainable Carbon Cycles - AlexanderBERNHUBER(EPP, AT), eGovernmentaccelerating digital public services that support the functioning of the single market -TomislavSOKOL(EPP, HR), The implementation of civilianCSDPand other EU civilian security assistance -AlviinaALAMETSÄ(Greens/EFA,FI).

Voting session (part 3)

Parliament adopt its position on rules to boost the availability and exchange of industrial digital data, to unlock their potential for the European economy. The debate is followed by a press conference by Pilar del CASTILLO VERA (EPP, ES), Rapporteur and by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market in the European Parliament, in Strasbourg.

Press conference by Pilar del CASTILLO VERA (EPP, ES), Rapporteur and by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market on the Data Act

The data act establishes common rules governing the sharing of data generated by the use of connected products or related services (e.g. the internet of things, industrial machines) to ensure fairness in data sharing contracts. Closing statements by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market and by Pilar del CASTILLO VERA (EPP, ES), Rapporteur.

Data Act: closing statements by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market and by Pilar del CASTILLO VERA (EPP, ES), Rapporteur

The data act establishes common rules governing the sharing of data generated by the use of connected products or related services (e.g. the internet of things, industrial machines) to ensure fairness in data sharing contracts. Second part of the debate.

Data Act: MEPs debate (part 2)

The data act establishes common rules governing the sharing of data generated by the use of connected products or related services (e.g. the internet of things, industrial machines) to ensure fairness in data sharing contracts. First part of the debate.

Data Act: MEPs debate (part 1)

The data act establishes common rules governing the sharing of data generated by the use of connected products or related services (e.g. the internet of things, industrial machines) to ensure fairness in data sharing contracts. Opening statements by Pilar del CASTILLO VERA (EPP, ES), Rapporteur, Adam BIELAN (ECR, PL), IMCO; Ibán GARCÍA DEL BLANCO (S&D, ES), AFCO; Sergey LAGODINSKY (Greens/EFA, DE), LIBE and by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Data Act: opening statement by Pilar del CASTILLO VERA (EPP, ES), Rapporteur, Adam BIELAN (ECR, PL), Ibán GARCÍA DEL BLANCO (S&D, ES), Sergey LAGODINSKY (Greens/EFA, DE), and by Thierry BRETON, European Commissioner for Internal Market

With internet and digital technologies playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives, the digitalisation of Europe has become one of the EU's priorities for the coming decade. But the progress made by the EU is uneven. There are clear differences across Europe as geographical conditions in some regions hinder the expansion of broadband internet or 5G. On the other side, older adults have also lagged behind the rest of the population in having the means and ability to use digital tools and the Internet. Closing this digital divide is of outmost importance to ensure a fair and efficient digital transition, and support Europe's approach to recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic.

EPRS - Bridging Europe's digital divide

Members are voting on Temporary measures, in view of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, concerning driver documents issued by Ukraine, Identification of the violation of Union restrictive measures as crimes under Article 83(1) of the TFEU, Exceptional macro-financial assistance to Ukraine, Digital Services Act - Christel SCHALDEMOSE (S&D,DK), Digital Markets Act - Andreas SCHWAB (EPP,DE), Adoption by Croatia of the euro on 1 January 2023 - Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP,RO), EU/Cook Islands Sustainable Fisheries Partnership / Agreement and Implementation. Protocol (2021-2024) - Cláudia MONTEIRO DE AGUIAR (EPP, PT), Temporary trade liberalisation measures for Moldova, Markéta GREGOROVÁ (Greens/EFA, CZ), Women’s poverty in Europe - Lina GÁLVEZ MUÑOZ (S&D,ES),...

Voting session including reports on Digital Services Act by Christel SCHALDEMOSE (S&D, DK), on Digital Markets Act by Andreas SCHWAB (EPP, DE) and on the adoption by Croatia of the euro on 1 January 2023 by Siegfried MUREŞAN (EPP, RO)

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers - New forms of employment linked to digital development. (Second part of the debate)

Fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers - New forms of employment linked to digital development: MEPs debate (Part 2/2)

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs participate in the debate on the fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers - New forms of employment linked to digital development: opening statements by Sylvie BRUNET (Renew, FR), Marianne VIND (S&D, DK) rapporteurs and by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs.

Fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers - New forms of employment linked to digitalization: opening statements by Sylvie BRUNET (Renew, FR), Marianne VIND (S&D, DK) rapporteurs and Nicolas SCHMIT, EU Commissioner

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs participate in the debate on the fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers - New forms of employment linked to digital development: closing statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs.

Fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers - New forms of employment linked to digital development: closing statement by Nicolas SCHMIT, European Commissioner for Jobs

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on the fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers - New forms of employment linked to digital development. (First part of the debate)

Fair working conditions, rights and social protection for platform workers - New forms of employment linked to digital development: MEPs debate (Part 1/2)

MEPs debated with the Council and the Commission and voted during the plenary session on a temporary regulation that allows the providers of web-based email, chats and messaging services to voluntarily detect, remove and report child sexual abuse online as well as to use scanning technologies to detect cyber grooming. During the debate, MEPs stressed about ensuring a right balance between children's protection and safeguarding privacy.

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