(Brussels) “The audio-visual media and the challenge of the digital revolution” in the run-up to the upcoming European elections – this is the theme of the event sponsored by the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, who invited the European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Mariya Gabriel, and all industry leaders to an open exchange of views. The event will take place at the European Parliament in Brussels at 3pm today. The first part of the debate, a statement explains, “will focus on the new EU regulatory framework and the need to enhance the competitiveness of the European audio-visual industry against digital platforms and global giants. The second part will focus on the need to ensure that citizens can access comprehensive and accurate information ahead of the May vote”. Commenting on the event, Tajani said: “The media are the driving force of the cultural and creative industries, which account for 9% of GDP and 12 million jobs in the EU. We must support this industry, which also plays a crucial role in the defence of our cultural heritage, our identity and our freedom to access accurate information”. “Web giants should be subject to the same rules as other businesses, for instance when it comes to responsibility for contents provided, advertising, privacy, the protection of intellectual property and consumers, transparency, and taxation. This is also essential in guaranteeing fair competition with traditional operators”.