Bottom line: British TV shows still count as "European content" on streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ across Europe. However, France and several other EU countries have pushed to change this since Brexit, creating uncertainty for British actors, crew members, and production companies.

The 30% Rule Explained #

Streaming platforms operating in Europe must include at least 30% European content in their catalogs. This rule affects major services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

The quota currently includes content from all 27 EU member states plus non-EU countries like the UK, Turkey, and Switzerland. British productions make up approximately 9% of content on major streaming platforms in Europe—nearly one-third of the entire European quota.

Why This Matters for British Productions #

UK content represents nearly half of all European TV shows available on video-on-demand services across Europe. Shows like The Crown, Sex Education, and Baby Reindeer help streaming platforms meet their legal requirements.

If UK content were excluded from the European category, Netflix would fall below the 30% quota in every European market it operates. The situation would be even worse for other platforms like Disney+ and HBO Max.

France Leads Push for Change #

France has been pushing for Britain to lose its "European status" when it comes to streaming TV shows and films. This effort is reportedly backed by Greece, Austria, Italy, and Spain.

The French government argues that including British content after Brexit undermines cultural diversity within the EU. They believe the quota should only benefit productions from actual EU member states.

Germany Opposes the Exclusion #

Germany has pushed back against France, warning the country against shutting the door on the UK's output. German officials emphasize the value of continued collaboration with British producers and talent.

This disagreement creates a split within the EU about how to handle post-Brexit cultural policies.

The Legal Technicality That Protects UK Content #

British productions still qualify as "European works" because of a treaty called the European Convention on Transfrontier Television (ECTT). The UK remains a member of this convention even after Brexit.

The AVMSD (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) defines European works to include both EU member states and countries that signed the ECTT. Twenty EU countries plus the UK are ECTT members.

What This Means for British Actors and Crew #

British performers have built successful careers working on European co-productions and international projects. These collaborations provide exposure, experience, and financial opportunities.

If the rules change, British actors and crew members could face reduced opportunities to participate in EU-funded projects. Production companies might also lose access to European financing for their shows.

Many British productions are co-productions with American companies, which further complicates the situation. These shows might not qualify under stricter rules focused only on EU member states.

Current Status in 2025 #

As of October 2025, British content still counts toward the European quota. No final decision has been made to exclude UK productions.

However, the debate continues. The European Commission has indicated in policy papers that reclassifying UK works remains under consideration when audiovisual rules are reviewed.

What Could Happen Next #

If streaming platforms lose the ability to count British shows as European content, they face three options. They could invest more heavily in productions from EU member states to meet the quota. They could remove non-European or British titles from their catalogs to increase the percentage of qualifying content. Or they could potentially reduce their European catalog sizes significantly.

For example, Netflix would need to reduce its total catalog in Ireland by almost one-third to meet the quota without UK content. That would mean fewer viewing options for European subscribers.

The Bigger Picture #

This debate reflects broader tensions about Brexit's cultural and economic impacts. The EU wants to support its own creative industries while maintaining high-quality entertainment options for viewers.

British actors, directors, writers, and crew members have contributed significantly to European entertainment for decades. Any policy change would reshape these long-standing creative partnerships.

The outcome will determine whether British talent continues to have the same access to European audiences and funding opportunities they enjoyed before Brexit. For now, the status quo remains—but the future stays uncertain.

 

Key Takeaway: British TV shows currently keep their European status on streaming platforms, but ongoing political pressure from France and other EU countries means this could change. British entertainment professionals should monitor these developments closely, as any rule changes would significantly impact their careers and opportunities across Europe.