This Week in Arts & Culture — Brussels (#16, 2026)
Commission review confirms Digital Markets Act remains fit for purpose; Czech terrestrial TV aid decision published; Parliament adopts tourism heritage report; World Press Freedom Day statements.
April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026
Commission review confirms Digital Markets Act remains fit for purpose; Czech terrestrial TV aid decision published; Parliament adopts tourism heritage report; World Press Freedom Day statements.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📝 EP Motions & Questions
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Culture and Education (CULT): On May 05, the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Coordinators’ meeting; Date of next meetings.
European Commission
Commission review finds Digital Markets Act remains fit for purpose
On 27 April 2026, the European Commission published its first review of Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 (Digital Markets Act, DMA), noting that in its first two years of application, the Act has opened new opportunities for businesses and developers, granting users more control and improving interoperability. The review, addressed to the European Parliament, Council, and European Economic and Social Committee, draws on over 450 contributions and highlights progress in data portability, alternative browsers, and app stores. Cloud services and artificial intelligence were identified as future focus areas for enforcement. Commission Executive Vice-Presidents Teresa Ribera and Henna Virkkunen commented on the DMA's adaptability to evolving digital challenges and the importance of continued rigorous enforcement.
Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed joint venture between UPM and Sappi
On 27 April 2026, the Commission launched an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed joint venture between UPM-Kymmene Corporation and Sappi Limited. The transaction may reduce competition in markets for communication and specialty paper, such as magazine paper (coated mechanical and wood free coated) and coated-one-side face material for labels. The Commission has 90 working days, until 8 September 2026, to reach a decision. Preliminary concerns include reduced production capacity, higher prices, and vertical effects impacting PSL (pressure-sensitive labels) suppliers. The investigation will assess claimed benefits including cost efficiencies and environmental impact.
Commission seeks feedback on interoperability measures for Google's Android under the DMA
On 26 April 2026, the Commission invited feedback on draft measures to ensure interoperability with Google's Android operating system, as part of specification proceedings opened under the Digital Markets Act. The measures aim to allow third-party AI services access to key Android capabilities and enable activation by custom wake words. Public consultation is open until 13 May 2026, after which the Commission will adopt binding decisions. Alphabet's designated services have been required to comply with DMA obligations since 7 March 2024.
Commission preliminarily finds Meta in breach of Digital Services Act for failing to prevent minors under 13 from using Instagram and Facebook
On 28 April 2026, the Commission issued preliminary findings that Meta Platforms may have breached Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (Digital Services Act, DSA) by failing to adequately prevent minors under 13 from accessing Instagram and Facebook. The investigation found ineffective age verification and reporting mechanisms, as well as incomplete risk assessment. Meta now has the opportunity to respond and remedy these breaches in accordance with the 2025 DSA Guidelines on protection of minors. If confirmed, non-compliance could result in fines of up to 6% of worldwide annual turnover. The Commission continues to investigate related risks, including those arising from platform design.
Commission greenlights Italy's ninth payment request for €12.8 billion under NextGenerationEU
On 28 April 2026, the Commission completed its positive assessment of Italy's ninth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), amounting to €12.8 billion. Italy has fulfilled all 16 milestones and 34 targets for this tranche, with impacts including strengthened research funding, revitalisation of 110 historic parks and gardens, and increased support for education and cultural development. The Economic and Financial Committee will deliver its opinion within four weeks, after which the payment can proceed. Italy’s RRF plan, totalling €194.4 billion, has now achieved 72% of all milestones and targets.
Remarks by Executive Vice-President Virkkunen on the EU age verification app
On 28 April 2026, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen presented remarks on the EU Age Verification Solution, noting its readiness for Member State adoption. The Commission adopted a Recommendation outlining privacy-preserving expectations for age verification tools and announced the setup of an Age Verification Scheme to assess providers. Virkkunen also referenced preliminary findings against Meta under the DSA, relating to protection of minors. The age verification solution aligns with ongoing enforcement actions and the Better Internet for Kids strategy.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/962: Czech aid for terrestrial television parallel broadcasting in DVB-T2/HEVC
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/962 (CELEX: 32026D0962), published on 30 April 2026, addresses the Czech Republic’s aid scheme for operators of digital terrestrial broadcasting platforms during the transition from DVB-T/MPEG-2 to DVB-T2/HEVC, linked to the release of the 700 MHz band. The measure compensates three operators for investment and operating costs incurred between 1 March 2017 and 31 October 2020. The Commission assessed complaints, the necessity and proportionality of the aid, and its compatibility under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU. The decision details regulatory context, technical transition plan, and the audit process by the Czech Telecommunication Office.
European Parliament
Parliament adopts report on enhancing connectivity, preserving cultural heritage and local excellence in tourism
On 28 April 2026, the European Parliament adopted the report A10-0078/2026 on enhancing connectivity, preserving cultural heritage, and driving regional tourism growth. Rapporteur Daniel Attard (S&D, MT) focused on destination management, support for emerging regions, and balanced tourism. The Committee on Transport and Tourism emphasised sustainable travel, cultural stewardship, and new funding mechanisms.
Parliament debates risks of normalising relations with Russia in major cultural and sports events
On 29 April 2026, Parliament held a debate on the danger of normalising relations with Russia, including its participation in cultural and sports events. Item 100 (2026/2697(RSP)) featured a Commission statement regarding potential breaches of international standards and EU values.
Parliament votes motions for resolution on enforcement of the Digital Markets Act
On 30 April 2026, Parliament voted on motions for resolution concerning the enforcement of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) under item 119 (2026/2596(RSP)). The session addressed ongoing compliance proceedings and the need for effective regulatory action.
EU Council
Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council discusses EU work plan for culture 2027-2030
On 12 May 2026, EU ministers for culture, audiovisual, media, and sport are scheduled to meet under the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council configuration to discuss topics including AgoraEU, the EU’s cultural work plan for 2027-2030, sport tourism, sustainable development, and mental health in sport.
EP Motions & Questions
Left Group tables motion on new Chinese law affecting ethnic identities
Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left Group) tabled a motion for resolution (B10-0214/2026) on 28 April 2026, raising concerns over China's 'ethnic unity and progress' law and its impact on minority languages and cultural rights, referencing UN experts’ communications.
S&D Group tables motion on Chinese law and minority suppression
Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, and Hannes Heide (S&D Group) tabled a motion (B10-0232/2026) on 28 April 2026, expressing concern about forced assimilation policies under China's new law and urging compliance with international human rights standards.
Renew Group tables motion condemning Chinese assimilation policies
Dainius Žalimas and colleagues (Renew Group) tabled a motion (B10-0223/2026) on 28 April 2026, calling for repeal of the Chinese law and EU action to protect minority rights, including use of the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
Left Group tables motion on cyberbullying and platform responsibility
Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left Group) tabled a motion (B10-0208/2026) on 27 April 2026, urging targeted criminal provisions and platform accountability for cyberbullying, referencing Article 28 DSA and the Commission's action plan against cyberbullying.
ECR Group tables motion on cyberbullying and platform responsibility
Assita Kanko and Stefano Cavedagna (ECR Group) tabled a motion (B10-0212/2026) on 27 April 2026, calling for robust enforcement of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (DSA), digital literacy, and proportionate criminal law measures to address cyberbullying.
EP Committee Work
CULT Committee marks World Press Freedom Day, highlights EMFA implementation challenges
On 30 April 2026, the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) issued a statement for World Press Freedom Day, noting the significance of the European Media Freedom Act (Regulation (EU) 2023/2225, applicable since 8 August 2025) in protecting editorial independence and pluralism. Chair Nela Riehl (Greens, DE) and EMFA Working Group leader Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE) stressed the need for consistent implementation, media literacy, and new financing mechanisms under the AgoraEU programme. The committee is preparing a proposal to revise the Audiovisual Media Services Directive later in 2026.
IMCO Committee press release: Parliament urges strong enforcement of Digital Markets Act
On 30 April 2026, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) called for robust enforcement of the Digital Markets Act, noting ongoing non-compliance proceedings and modest fines imposed on Meta and Apple. MEPs highlighted strategic concerns related to cloud services and AI-driven tools, and warned against external political pressure affecting EU digital sovereignty. The committee press release referenced continued scrutiny of gatekeeper practices and the importance of practical market outcomes.
What We're Reading This Week
- The French love their public libraries. But lack of resources undermines the experience: Despite strong public affection for libraries in France, chronic underfunding hampers services and community engagement.
