In a decisive move, the European Parliament voted against including the film and audiovisual sector in the Geo-blocking Regulation on 13th December 2023. This decision, supported by MEPs from across the political spectrum, echoes the sentiment of over 700 organisations advocating for the exemption.

Laura Houlgatte, UNIC CEO, Chair of Creativity Works! concluded: “We are pleased with the outcome of today’s vote on geo-blocking. The European Parliament joins the European Council of Ministers in supporting territorial exclusivity and contractual freedom, which are the backbones of the creative and cultural industries in Europe. Creativity Works! is most grateful to all MEPs who stood up for culture today and recognised the importance of our sectors”

The vote is a clear and strong signal to the European Commission that there is no political support to reopen the Geo-blocking Regulation and expand its scope in the medium to long-term.