This Week in Arts & Culture — Brussels (#30, 2026)
Commission rules on Polish broadcast event list under AVMSD; State aid decision for INRAP in French archaeology; Citizens' Initiative ‘Stop Killing The Internet’ registered.
August 02, 2026 to August 08, 2026
Commission rules on Polish broadcast event list under AVMSD; State aid decision for INRAP in French archaeology; Citizens' Initiative ‘Stop Killing The Internet’ registered.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Decision on State Aid to INRAP in Preventive Archaeology
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1875 of 17 December 2025 (OJ L 2026/1875, CELEX 32026D1875) addresses State aid SA.51268 relating to the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP). The case originated from a complaint by EVEHA concerning possible cross-subsidisation between INRAP’s competitive and non-competitive activities and state subsidies received for public service costs. The Commission concludes that both the subsidies for INRAP's public service costs and any cross-subsidies constitute State aid under Article 107(1) TFEU, but deems the measures compatible with the internal market pursuant to Article 107(3)(d) TFEU. The Commission notes the absence of a watertight accounting separation prior to 2021, but further finds that the aid did not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest, citing stable market shares and limited profitability. The Decision is addressed to France and requires notification and adjustment of publication of public aid references.
Commission Registers Citizens’ Initiative: ‘Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification’
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1921 of 22 July 2026 (OJ L 2026/1921, CELEX 32026D1921) registers the European citizens’ initiative 'Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification', submitted on 17 June 2026. The initiative calls for legislation ensuring digital identity and age-assurance systems for accessing online services in the EU remain voluntary, privacy-preserving, and non-discriminatory. The Commission assessed the legal basis under Articles 16 and 114 TFEU and found no element of the initiative manifestly outside its competence. Registration does not imply a position on the substantive correctness or future legislative action.
Commission Decision on Polish List of Major Events under AVMSD
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1924 of 27 July 2026 (OJ L 2026/1924, CELEX 32026D1924) finds the measures notified by Poland under Article 14(1) of Directive 2010/13/EU (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) compatible with Union law. The measures update the list of events considered of major importance to Polish society—including Volleyball Nations League, Basketball World and European Championship matches, Grand Slam tennis semi-finals and finals involving Polish players, and others—ensuring broad public access via free-to-air television. The Commission verified proportionality, transparency, and competition impacts, and communicated the measures to Member States, with the AVMSD contact committee adopting a favourable opinion.
