The federal government wants to oblige Netflix and Co. to invest

It was said that the compromise would secure orders for the German film industry without disproportionately interfering in the business models of streamers and broadcasters. The investment obligation with an opening clause also creates incentives for voluntary commitments from those providers who are prepared to make a greater commitment.

From an investment rate of twelve percent of annual sales, certain legal requirements, such as quotas for German-language productions, can then be deviated from.

In particular, the Finance Ministry of Lars Klingbeil (SPD) and Minister of State for Culture Wolfram Weimer (independent) had fought over the requirements for streaming services. Weimer had originally relied on voluntary action. The investment package is part of a comprehensive reform of German film funding. With the agreement, an additional 120 million euros will now be released in the federal budget for film funding.

According to reports, the new regulation will now apply not only to streaming services, especially from US providers such as Netflix, but also to German TV channels, including public service providers. If possible, a corresponding law should be passed in the cabinet before Easter.