This Week in Arts & Culture — Brussels (#15, 2026)
Commission clears RTL-Sky DACH merger; Parliament motions address Digital Markets Act enforcement, Armenia's democratic resilience; Rule of law, media freedom discussed in committees.
April 19, 2026 to April 25, 2026
Commission clears RTL-Sky DACH merger; Parliament motions address Digital Markets Act enforcement, Armenia's democratic resilience; Rule of law, media freedom discussed in committees.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📝 EP Motions & Questions
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission unconditionally approves RTL's acquisition of Sky DACH
On 21 April 2026, the European Commission approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by RTL Deutschland GmbH of Sky German Holdings GmbH (Sky DACH). The Commission analysed the effects on the supply and acquisition of audiovisual content, wholesale and retail audiovisual services, and advertising markets in Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and South Tyrol. It found that RTL and Sky DACH's activities overlapped but would not significantly reduce competition. Key findings were that market shares remained moderate, sufficient alternatives exist for consumers and distributors, and the companies are not close competitors in the affected segments. The Commission also noted competitive pressure from global streaming platforms and concluded the transaction would not impede effective competition within the EEA. The case was cleared unconditionally under case number M.12076.
EU Council
Upcoming: Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council to discuss culture and audiovisual policy
On 12 May 2026, the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (Culture and Sport configuration) will convene. Ministers will discuss the EU’s work plan for culture for 2027-2030 and issues including AgoraEU, sustainable development in sport tourism, and mental health in sport.
EP Motions & Questions
PPE Group tables motion on Digital Markets Act enforcement
On 22 April 2026, Anna Cavazzini (on behalf of IMCO) and Andreas Schwab (on behalf of the PPE Group) tabled a motion for a resolution on the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (Regulation (EU) 2022/1925), addressing compliance, oversight, and regulatory challenges.
ECR Group tables resolution on supporting democratic resilience in Armenia
On 24 April 2026, Adam Bielan, Geadis Geadi, and others from the ECR Group tabled a motion for a resolution on supporting democratic resilience in Armenia, referencing cultural heritage and regional cooperation.
EP Committee Work
IMCO: Draft resolution on Digital Markets Act enforcement
On 22 April 2026, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) published a draft resolution on the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act. Andreas Schwab was named rapporteur for the document (PE785.295), focusing on the regulation’s implementation and compliance mechanisms.
LIBE: Press conference addresses rule of law and media freedom
On 24 April 2026, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) announced a press conference to discuss the Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law Report. Rapporteur Konstantinos Arvanitis will address issues related to judicial independence, corruption, media freedom, and the impact of digital technologies on civic space.
What We're Reading This Week
- Why colonial-era Congo archives in Belgium are caught in a standoff over strategic minerals: Disputes over access to Congo's colonial archives in Belgium reflect rising tensions linked to control of valuable mineral resources.
