Film production in eastern Europe: cultural policy or an economic instrument for fair competition within the EU

Question for written answer E-000153/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nikola Minchev (Renew)

Film and audiovisual production in the EU has traditionally been addressed primarily through cultural policy. While this remains essential for safeguarding cultural diversity, it does not fully reflect the sector's economic reality in an increasingly competitive global market. In practice, film production functions as an export-oriented economic activity, attracting foreign direct investment, creating highly skilled employment and generating spillover effects across related sectors, such as tourism, transport, construction, technology and education.

Within the EU's internal market, production activity and investment tend to concentrate in a limited number of western and central European Member States. Eastern European markets, despite having proven production capacity and competitive advantages, often remain structurally disadvantaged due to weaker institutional capacity, less competitive financial instruments and limited coordination between cultural and economic policies at EU level. This raises concerns about fair competition, balanced regional development and equal access to the global audiovisual services market.

• 1.How does the Commission assess the impact of market concentration in film production on cultural and economic diversity within the EU?
• 2.How does it ensure that film production is recognised as both a cultural and economic activity, particularly for smaller and less developed markets?
• 3.What is the Commission's long-term strategy to promote balanced and competitive development of the film production sector across all Member States?

Submitted: 14.1.2026