New Commissioners in charge of audiovisual issues confirmed by the European Parliament

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The new college of 27 Commissioners was confirmed by the European Parliament during its plenary session in Strasbourg on 27 November.  

Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected President of the European Commission last July. Her first task was to select the Commissioner-designates among the nominations submitted by national governments to build a college formed of one commissioner per Member State, each with their own portfolio of responsibilities.  

Candidates must undergo a suitability assessment by the European Parliament: after answering a series of written questions from Members of the European Parliament (MEP), they appeared before the relevant committees and had three hours to answer oral questions and thus demonstrate their abilities for the position. The composition of the new Parliament is more fragmented than ever before, resulting in a lengthy negotiation process. 

Two commissioners-designate are particularly important to the audiovisual sector: the Finnish Henna Virkkunen, set to become executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy; and Glenn Micallef from Malta, to be Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport. 

 

In her mission letter, von der Leyen entrusted Micallef with a Culture Compass, a strategic policy approach to culture, which will harness the multiple dimensions of culture and put statistics forward to ensure a “evidence-based actions”. Still a bit vague, its goal should be to boost the competitiveness and innovation of the cultural sector.   

The improvement of working conditions of artists is set to be an important topic of this mandate, as Micallef mentioned the Commission’s ongoing assessment across Member States, and reiterated the EU Commission commitment to organize a high-level round table, which will bring together stakeholders, industry and lawmakers.  

While recognizing the challenges posed by AI and fostering an ethical and fair use, Micaleff focuses on its potential for the cultural and creative sector, and wishes to encourage a close collaboration with tech industry. Competitiveness is a central and transversal theme to Micallef’s candidacy. 

“When it comes to AI, I firmly believe we need a forward-looking strategy, one that enables and reinforces human creativity, one that embraces change and one that boosts the competitiveness of these sectors.” – Micallef in his hearing on 4 November. 

 

Missioned for the Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy portfolio, which includes AI, copyright, media regulation (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) and direct support to the audiovisual sector through Creative Europe MEDIA, Virkkunen committed to protect European cultural diversity.  

Prompted by a question on copyright & AI from MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Chair of the Legal affairs committee, she emphasized the importance of fair compensation for creators, particularly when their work is used for AI training and stated that creators should have the right to opt out or receive payment and encouraged stakeholders to reach agreements on “licensing solutions.”  

In response to a question by the Culture and education committee from MEP Emma Rafowicz about protecting filmmakers in the AI and digital age, she insisted on the essential need for authors & performers to receive data on the exploitation of their works as set out by 2019 CDSM Directive transparency obligation (art. 19). Transparency is a basic requirement for them to be able to negotiate fair remuneration as they are individually in a systemic weak bargaining position now recognized by EU law. 

“One of Europe’s greatest assets is our rich culture. Together with the Commissioner for Culture, I will work to protect our cultural diversity and to ensure that creators are being rewarded for their works, also in the age of AI.” – Virkkunen in her hearing on 12 November. 

 

Following a debate with Ursula von der Leyen on her new team and programme, the full College of Commissioners was elected as a whole by a simple majority, and is expected to take office in early December. 

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To go further:  

Glenn Micallef’s mission letter, written questions and answers & confirmation hearing. 

Henna Virkunnen’s mission letter, written questions and answers & confirmation hearing.