New Audiovisual Media Services Directive supporting self-regulation has been adopted
On 19 December 2007 the final text of the new AMVS Directive was adopted by the European Parliament. The text, which is welcomed by EASA and its members, encourages Member States to support the use of self-regulatory systems to deal with advertising content issues. Furthermore the text addresses special issues such as advertising to children and of products special products such as tobacco and alcohol.
Read more on the European Parliament website.

  EASA releases new edition of the 'Advertiser's Bible'
On 6 September 2007, EASA released the 5th edition of The Blue Book - Advertising Self-regulation in Europe
The Blue Book, released on a tri-annual basis, is a comprehensive guide to best practice self-regulation in Europe, issues facing the advertising industry, the legislative environment, as well as an in-depth look at the rules and systems in place across the Single Market. In light of the current pressure from legislators on the marketing communications industry around issues such as nutrition, alcohol and health, the publication takes on an added significance, demonstrating the extent of progress made in extending the scope and coverage of self-regulation across the EU and beyond.

European Commission White Paper on Nutrition supports self-regulatory approach and commends EASA
In May 2007, the European Commission released its White Paper presenting "A strategy for Europe on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity related health issues", which supports and recognises the added value of advertising self- regulation. The paper says "The Commission's preference, at this stage, is to keep the existing voluntary approach at EU level due to the fact that it can potentially act quickly and effectively to tackle rising overweight and obesity rates."

  Commissioner Kuneva addresses EASA members at dinner in Brussels
On the occasion of EASA’s first Board meeting of 2007, a dinner, co-hosted by EASA and the IAA brought together the European advertising industry, self-regulatory organisations from across the EU along with the Commissioner and three cabinet members. Mrs Kuneva expressed her support for effective self-regulation as a valid regulatory option saying that "Self-regulation has an important role to play in a modern and efficient regulatory framework – provided it meets well-defined criteria. The European Commission recognises its potential as part of its Better Regulation Policy."  In her speech, Mrs Kuneva praised the work of EASA and its coordinated efforts to establish effective self-regulation systems across an extended EU of 27 countries. "I recognise and welcome the efforts that EASA has made in recent years to strengthen self-regulatory mechanisms in various Member States, especially the new ones. These efforts need to be continued in the years ahead." Read the Commissioner's speech | EASA press release

  DG Sanco releases Alcohol Strategy
The European Commission has released a report on alcohol and responsible drinking - 'Communication on an EU strategy to support Member States in reducing alcohol related harm'.  The report addresses issues related to alcohol consumption across the EU and suggests a strategy for reducing harmful alcohol consumption. Original proposals for health labelling have been dropped in favour of a self-regulation approach.
Download report  |  Read Commission press release 

  Food advertising compliance levels: results released
The results of a compliance monitoring exercise, conducted by national SROs and coordinated by EASA for the WFA, to measure levels of compliance of food industry television advertising with national and ICC Codes have been released.  The results were presented to all members of the  Platform for Diet, Health and Physical Activity on 21 November.
Download results