This Week in Arts & Culture — Brussels (#26, 2026)
Media literacy resolution adopted; Tokaj/Tokaji PDO amendment approved; Commission finds Meta in DSA breach; CULT Committee discusses social media's youth impact.
July 05, 2026 to July 11, 2026
Media literacy resolution adopted; Tokaj/Tokaji PDO amendment approved; Commission finds Meta in DSA breach; CULT Committee discusses social media's youth impact.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Culture and Education (CULT): On July 13, the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Boosting skills in the Union – opportunities for vocational education and training in times of transition; Chair’s announcements; Coordinators’ meeting.
- Committee on Culture and Education (CULT): On July 14, the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Boosting skills in the Union – opportunities for vocational education and training in times of transition; Chair’s announcements; Coordinators’ meeting.
European Commission
Commission preliminarily finds the addictive design of Instagram and Facebook in breach of the Digital Services Act
On 9 July 2026, the European Commission issued preliminary findings indicating Meta may be in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA) due to the addictive design features found on Instagram and Facebook. The investigation evaluated infinite scroll, autoplay, push notifications, and highly personalised recommender systems for their impact on users, especially minors and vulnerable adults. Evidence suggests Meta failed to assess and mitigate risks associated with excessive use, and current parental controls and awareness campaigns are not deemed sufficient. The Commission is consulting the European Board for Digital Services while Meta has the right to respond to the findings. If non-compliance is confirmed, the Commission may issue a decision leading to potential fines of up to 6% of Meta’s global turnover.
Commission refers Spain to Court of Justice over recognition of professional qualifications
On 7 July 2026, the European Commission decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the EU for not aligning its national rules with Directive 2005/36/EC concerning the recognition of professional qualifications. The proceeding addresses Spain’s failure to recognise the qualifications of sworn translators and interpreters from other Member States, impacting their ability to establish themselves or provide temporary services. The case follows a letter of formal notice and a reasoned opinion previously sent to Spain. The referral forms part of the July 2026 infringement package concerning the free movement of professionals in the EU. The infringement is registered as INFR(2018)2306.
EU marks 31st anniversary of Srebrenica genocide
On 9 July 2026, the European Commission issued a joint statement by High Representative/Vice-President Kallas and Commissioner Kos commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide. The statement honours over 8,300 victims and calls for commitment to reconciliation and the upholding of historical truth. It references the UN’s 2024 declaration of 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Srebrenica Genocide. The Commission reaffirmed support for Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sovereign, united, multiethnic and democratic country, and urged regional leaders to pursue dialogue and responsibility over division.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Approval of Union amendment for ‘Tokaj / Tokaji’ PDO specification
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1556, adopted on 2 July 2026 and published on 6 July 2026, approves a Union amendment to the product specification for the protected designation of origin ‘Tokaj / Tokaji’. The amendment was submitted by Hungary under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 and no statement of opposition was received. The regulation enters into force twenty days after publication, directly binding all Member States and updating the official requirements for use of the ‘Tokaj / Tokaji’ PDO.
EU Council
Informal Competitiveness Council focuses on internal market and industry
The Competitiveness Council held an informal meeting on 9 July 2026, concentrating on issues relating to the internal market and industry.
EP Committee Work
Press conference on the impact of social media and the internet on young people
On 10 July 2026, the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) scheduled a press conference following the committee vote on a report concerning the effects of social media and the internet on young people. Rapporteur Sandro Ruotolo (S&D, Italy) will present the findings, which include policy proposals touching on safety-by-design, age-appropriateness, AI discrimination, and regulation of influencers. The plenary vote is set for September 2026.
MEPs call for strengthened media literacy and digital learning across the EU
On 7 July 2026, the CULT Committee released a statement on the adoption of a resolution advocating for media literacy and digital learning as essential skills. The resolution supports a broad approach, encompassing education, the workplace, and society at large, and notes that media literacy empowers citizens in the digital environment. Rapporteur Marcos Ros Sempere (S&D, ES) is cited regarding the need for rules on platforms, influencers, and AI-generated content, with special attention to the protection of minors and clearer rules for influencers in the framework of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) evaluation.
What We're Reading This Week
- Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ challenge new French investment rules: Major streaming platforms push back against updated French requirements mandating higher investment in local film and TV productions.
