Geo-blocking—or more accurately, geo-enabling—is a cornerstone of Europe’s creative and cultural sectors. By allowing commercial and contractual freedom, to agree territorial exclusivity, supported by geo-blocking, the EU enables the creation, financing, production, and distribution and showcasing both offline and online of high-quality, diverse, and affordable cultural works that reflect Europe’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity and heritage.
Together with copyright, commercial and contractual freedom constitute the foundation of Europe’s creative and cultural sectors which contribute 6.9% of EU GDP and 8.2% of total employment—supporting over 17 million jobs. The freedom to agree territorial exclusivity and share financial risks enables businesses in the creative and cultural sectors to take risks, attract and recoup investments, and offer culturally and linguistically diverse works through a multitude of access options to local audiences.
Far from restricting access, this system strengthens consumer choice, protects cultural and linguistic diversity both in the work produced and in the distribution / access options offered while at the same time ensuring pricing which reflects local purchasing power. Culture is one of Europe’s greatest assets, and it is crucial that the Geo-blocking Regulation continues to exclude the cultural and creative sectors from its scope.
This Policy Spotlight will explore how Europe’s diverse distribution and licensing frameworks sustain innovation, drive economic growth, and secure consumer choice.
