PRESS RELEASE
Audiovisual authors call on the EU Parliament to 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