Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Andrews has criticised Donald Trump’s planned 100% tariffs on European movies being sold in the US, saying it could hurt Irish cinema.
Speaking in Strasbourg after voting to protect European audio-visual content in trade talks with President Trump, the Fianna Fáil MEP said “President Trump has made two attacks on the European media sector, firstly that he wants to place a 100% tariff on European-made films being sold in the US and secondly he wants us to water down EU laws to protect European content on streaming services like Netflix and Disney+.
“The first would be a massive blow to the Irish film industry and the second would mean less Irish content on Netflix such as Derry Girls, Kin, Kneecap or Puffin Rock, the animated series which was a huge international success.
Andrews noted that EU law currently mandates that streaming services carry at least 30% European-made content.
“Trump’s latest demands are despite the recent deal struck by President von der Leyen in Scotland, in an attempt to avoid a full blown trade-war, which did not include audio-visual content.”
“The EU has always had a strong commitment to defending the cultural and linguistic heritage of European countries, including Ireland. The preservation of cultural identity is a sovereign right of each Member State, as recognised by EU law.”
Andrews said, “today’s vote in the European Parliament warns President von der Leyen to defend EU cultural law in trade negotiations with the US, ensuring that audio-visual services remain excluded from trade agreements. Such agreements require approval by MEPs.”
“We must continue to protect Europe’s cultural sovereignty and diversity from the flood of American content hitting our screens.”