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Regulatory framework of the culture sector

What is it about?

Cultural and creative industries operate in a complex business environment defined both by the standard regulations concerning businesses, as well as issues such as intellectual property rights and taxation.

The policies and legislation governing these fields, in other words the regulatory framework, should facilitate artistic creation, cultural diversity, and business activities in the culture sector.

Why is it needed?

The culture sector, like many others, is undergoing considerable and rapid change in the wake of the digital revolution. In response to these changes, governments are increasingly identifying a need for continuous assessment to ensure that the regulatory framework remains fit for purpose.

The increasing importance of digital technologies brings with it, for the culture sector, a need to review intellectual property rights and ensure that artists and organisations can protect their works while ensuring broad access to culture.

Likewise, with audiences and markets increasingly accessible on the internet, there is a clear need to apply the proper policies to online trading, taxation, and even the establishment and operation of businesses.

What is the EC's role?

The Commission serves a variety of functions in the assessment of the regulatory framework, including the management of projects, the commissioning of studies and reports, and ensuring coordination with Member States to apply best practices.

What has been achieved so far?

The Commission has, to date, undertaken a variety of activities, and has achieved several major steps in reforming the regulatory environment. Aside from the projects and platforms support by the Culture and MEDIA programmes, the following legal instruments have been adopted:

In addition to the legal text the Commission has published the following Communications:

Moreover, the Commission has brokered the following stakeholder's dialogues:

What are the next steps?

In addition to managing the Creative Europe programme, the Commission will continue efforts in the field, notably by: