MEPs must hold the Commission and Council accountable to EU values

As AI companies bypass licensing obligations, streaming platforms circumvent remuneration obligations, and artistic censorship spreads across Member States, Europe's leading audiovisual organisations are urging the EU Parliament to hold the Commission and Council accountable to EU values.

The Federation of European Screen Directors, Federation of Screenwriters in Europe and the Society of Audiovisual Authors have issued a joint statement demanding immediate action in response to four critical threats: AI exploitation without author consent or payment, the trading away of European creativity in negotiations, the failure to enforce fair remuneration despite existing legislation, and growing attacks on freedom of expression.

The European Parliament has long been the strongest ally of artists. In this moment of unprecedented pressure, it must raise its voice louder than ever - to defend creativity, diversity, and the democratic values at the heart of the Europe. This was the message from FERA, FSE and the SAA at their dinner with MEPs, filmmakers and members of their respective organisations.

Quotes

“We need MEPs to remind the Commission and Council to stay true to EU values: European creativity is a legacy to protect, not a commodity to trade away. AI without authors' consent and remuneration is cultural theft disguised as innovation. These aren't slogans – they're realities that creators face every day”

Barbara Hayes, SAA Chair

“Provoked by the US, European governments are scrambling to increase defence spending. To protect our way of life. But beyond adequate food and shelter, what is our way of life? Culture. Our local culture, in all its diversity, is the way we live. And it must be defended from neglect as well as attack. It must be actively nourished. Or our audiovisual culture the LUX award celebrates will cease to exist.”

Bill Anderson, FERA Chair

“Writers do no just entertain. We reveal. We provoke. We expose. We create mirrors and inspirations for societies. Our work is at the heart of a living democracy. Freedom of expression is at stake even in Europe. Speak up!”

Carolin Otto, FSE Chair

Audiovisual authors' statement: Enforce EU values and principles

News 7 October 2025

The values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, and respect for human rights - including those of minorities - are the foundation of European society. They also underpin the EU’s unique cultural model, which has long supported creativity and diversity in an evolving audiovisual sector. But in 2025, these values are under pressure from both inside and outside the Union. If Europe does not act, its cultural model risks being hollowed out. The European Parliament must stand firm

The statement was issued on the occasion of the LUX Audience Award 2026 nominations, celebrating five European films:

LOVE ME TENDER by director and writer Anna Cazenave Cambet
CHRISTY by director Brendan Canty and writer Alan O'Gorman
IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT by director and writer Jafar Panahi
DEAF by director and writer Eva Libertad
SENTIMENTAL VALUE by director and writer Joachim Trier and co-writer Eskil Vogt.

SAA - Society of Audiovisual Authors