European Union: European Commission closes consultation on review of Audiovisual Media Services Directive

On 1 May 2026, the European Commission (EC) closes the consultation on the planned review of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD). The consultation opened on 10 February 2026. The review, required under Article 33 AVMSD and planned in the Commission work programme for 2026, assesses whether the current rules remain relevant in a media landscape where video-on-demand services, user-generated content, and online platforms have grown significantly alongside traditional broadcasting. The consultation is organised around four pillars, namely scope and enforcement, audiovisual commercial communications, protection of viewers, and strengthening of media diversity in the internal market. The Commission aims to examine regulatory imbalances between market players, including advertising rules and the prominence of services on user interfaces, as well as viewer protection particularly for minors, and regulatory fragmentation caused by divergent national approaches regarding influencers. The Commission also aims to improve coherence with other EU digital legislation, notably the Digital Services Act (DSA). Three options are under consideration. The first option is to maintain the current framework. The second option is to introduce targeted adjustments, including clarifying scope, prominence, advertising and protection rules. The third option is to transform the Directive into a broader EU content instrument.