Óscar López defends cultural diversity and free and reliable information as safeguards of democracy in Europe

The Minister for Digital Transformation and Public Function, Óscar López, in the group photo of participants in the Council held in Copenhagen

On Tuesday, Óscar López defended the need to strengthen European cultural content and guarantee truthful information in favour of the defence of democratic values. He made this point at the informal meeting of EU culture and media ministers in the Danish capital.

"Spain has adhered to the ministerial declaration adopted today on the defence of culture and the media as safeguards of democracy," the minister announced after warning that access to reliable information in the digital era is one of the challenges that will mark the viability of our democratic systems.

The text defends cultural heritage and free and independent media as key drivers for promoting European values. The declaration also warns of the social and economic challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence in the creation and distribution of cultural and media content. It also recognises the importance of developing digital skills and critical thinking to navigate the digital information environment.

During his speech at the plenary session, the minister highlighted the need for policies in this direction, such as the triple digital shield made up of the European regulations on Artificial Intelligence, Digital Services and Freedom of the Media, as well as the Action Plan for European Democracy against disinformation, a reference point for the Spanish strategy in this area.

In the case of Spain, López recalled the Government of Spain's commitment to a response through the creation of the first state agency for the oversight of AI in the European Union (the AESIA), the Digital Rights Charter and Observatory, as well as aid for the media to promote digitisation and the media literacy project for new generations to develop critical thinking in the face of digital manipulation.

"Our commitment is clear, we want a digital space that is more secure, transparent and coherent with European democratic values," the Spanish head of state stressed.

On the defence of culture, the minister stressed the need to protect European content. In this respect, he highlighted advances such as the Audiovisual Communication Services Directive, which allows for the financing of European and external broadcasters and streamers, and the MEDIA programme, which ensures the financing of European audiovisual projects for different audiences. "The Member States are building their own audiovisual models that reinforce European cultural diversity," he said.

In this context, he recalled that Spain is consolidating its position among the main European markets, with box office revenues almost doubling between 2021 and 2024, and cinema attendance reaching 75% of pre-pandemic levels. He also indicated that national production grew to 376 feature films last year, almost 70% more than in 2020, and employment in the sector has increased by more than 100% in the last four years.

"None of this is accidental. It responds to a strategic vision: the Spain Audiovisual Hub. For the first time, Spain is addressing the audiovisual sector as a strategic state sector. With a model that combines modern regulation that protects minors, promotes cultural diversity and offers business flexibility on how to meet the national production quota," the minister said.

In conclusion, the Spanish head of state claimed that European cultural diversity is not a luxury, but a strategic advantage. "The path is clear: a Europe of many stories told from many perspectives. An audiovisual policy that thinks big and protects what makes us unique," he added.

Non official translation