Slovak lawmakers debate expanded Audiovisual Fund obligations

Slovak lawmakers began the fourth week of the 61st parliamentary session on October 6, opening debate in parliament on a government amendment that would impose Audiovisual Fund contribution and investment obligations on certain foreign on-demand audiovisual services targeting customers in Slovakia.¹²³

Obligations for foreign providers

Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová presented the amendment in the parliamentary chamber. The measure covers providers of on-demand audiovisual media services that do not have a registered office in Slovakia but direct their services towards Slovak customers.¹²

Under the proposal, those providers would be required to contribute to the Audiovisual Fund. They would also have to invest directly in Slovak audiovisual production, creating a second obligation tied to their activity in the Slovak market.¹²

The Culture Ministry described the central aim as introducing the measure for audiovisual media service providers in a proportionate and non-discriminatory way. The amendment was among more than 200 agenda items still awaiting consideration as lawmakers prepared to resume the session on October 6.²³

Other decisions before parliament

The parliamentary agenda also includes a medicines policy amendment that was expected to receive a definitive vote on Tuesday. Deputies were additionally due to vote on proposed legislation establishing an integrated system of protection against radicalisation and mobilisation to violence.¹²

That proposal would regulate social networks for children younger than 16. It would also create a mechanism for the coordinated assessment of risks related to radicalisation and mobilisation to violence.¹²

Lawmakers are also expected to decide on Vision Slovakia 2040, a strategic document. These measures form part of the remaining business in the fourth week of the current 61st parliamentary session.¹²³