EU 'will make Netflix and Amazon create non-US shows': Firms could be made to ensure a fifth of content is European 

Netflix and Amazon could be forced to make French, German and even Estonian films and TV shows by the EU.

The US companies could also be hit with taxes to raise funds to support the work of film-makers in Europe.

The proposal is thought to be driven by the French, who are particularly fearful of their cinema and TV programmes being eclipsed by English language productions.

The details are due to be published next week, however a series of leaks have given some clues about the thinking of Brussels.

Netflix and Amazon could be forced to make French, German and even Estonian films and TV shows by the EU

These call for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon to ensure one fifth of their content is made up of European movies and TV programmes.

One draft says the aims is to create ‘a more level playing field in the promotion of European works by obliging on-demand services to reserve at least 20per cent share for European works in their catalogues and to ensure adequate prominence of such works’.

It adds that the ‘promotion of European works will be enhanced by .. putting on-demand players under the obligation to promote European content’.

On the idea of imposing a tax or charge on these American-dominated services, it adds: ‘Member states may require providers of on-demand audio-visual media services under their jurisdiction to contribute financially to the production of European works, including via direct investment in content and contributions to national funds.’

Fighting the dominance of Hollywood is a major priority for France, which has for years subsidised its own national film industry through a special tax on privately-owned broadcasters that rely heavily on US-made content.

The European Commission’s Vice President on media issues, Andrus Ansip, who is a former prime minister of Estonia, has said it is time to update EU broadcasting rules.

Mr Andrus, who was speaking at the Cannes film festival, said: ‘This is also about creating a level playing field.’

The proposal is thought to be driven by the French, who are particularly fearful of their cinema and TV programmes being eclipsed by English language productions

Netflix has said it is against making contributions to government film subsidies and puts its priority on making its own content, including in Europe.

James Waterworth, vice president of the CCIA trade association, whose members include Netflix and Amazon, described the Commission’s proposals as surprising and unnecessary.

He said: ‘The idea of cultural quotas is outdated, doesn’t serve the consumer interest in the twenty-first century and won’t help internet innovators or content innovators.’

A Netflix source said the company’s services on this side of the Atlantic already include more than 20per cent European content. Netflix is available in all 28 EU countries, although the streaming service is only offered in local languages in some countries.

Earlier this month, Netflix premiered Marseille, its first series produced in Europe. The company announced that it is now producing more content in Europe, including with some local broadcasters

If confirmed, the Commission proposal would need the approval of EU ministers and the European Parliament.