Romania: Decision on audio-visual content regulatory code including user right entered into force (Decision No. 573)

On 7 August 2025, Decision No. 573 establishing an audio-visual content regulatory code, including user rights, entered into force. The code applies to all television and radio broadcasters, video-on-demand platforms, and video-sharing services under Romanian jurisdiction. The code establishes accessibility requirements for disabled viewers, mandating that broadcasters ensure at least 10% of broadcasting time includes programs accessible to people with visual or hearing impairments in 2025, increasing to 20% in 2026, 35% in 2027, and maintaining 35% from 2028 onwards. The code also provides that on-demand audio-visual media service providers must meet the same percentage targets for audio-visual programs available in their catalogues. The code specifies that accessibility should be achieved through sign language, subtitling, audio description and other technical modalities that will be offered by digital technology.