Netflix could be subject to European content quotas

Andrus Ansip

Video-on-demand services operating in the EU, including the likes of Netflix and Amazon, could be subject to European content quotas, according to French financial daily Les Echos, citing EC vice-president for the digital single market Andrus Ansip.

Speaking to the paper at the Cannes Film Festival, Ansip told Les Echos that it was necessary to create more level playing field between these SVoD operators and TV channel providers.

According to Les Echos, citing unnamed sources, OTT providers could be forced to submit to a quota of 20% European-originated programming.

The quota would be applied not only to content available in catalogues but to the material marketed on home pages.

According to the paper, the process of agreeing a quota is already in train. The European Commission has to agree a figure that will then be put to the European Parliament for approval.

In Cannes, Ansip also said that the principal of territoriality would be respected in new European copyright rules, enabling broadcasters to prevent content offered in one market being accessed in others. However, Ansip said he was still determined to push for the principle of portability, whereby subscribers to a service in one country would be able to access that service in others EU member states.