New Report Highlights How Political Climate Makes European Creatives Hesitate to Share Diverse Stories

A recent report from the Federation of Screenwriters in Europe (FSE) highlights a troubling trend: the emergence of a “chilling effect” on creatives across Europe, driven largely by right-wing political figures, including Donald Trump.

Published today, the FSE’s report coincides with its call to action at the Series Mania festival, which aims to address what the organization views as a disturbing backlash against cultural institutions and freedom of expression.

The “Right to Write” report outlines a significant global shift in political ideologies over the past decade, noting an increase in support for far-right parties across Europe. It identifies seven such parties currently in power, either independently or in coalition, in countries including Croatia, the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Slovakia, and Sweden.

The report indicates that these governments have fostered an environment where creative producers are prompted to self-censor. This has led to “subjective decisions” regarding the creative potential of film and television projects, even at early stages of development.

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The FSE warns that this open-ended system could be susceptible to exploitation by those with malign intentions. As governmental pressures rise, broadcasters and production companies have begun to adjust their portfolios to mitigate risks in an increasingly volatile political climate. This shift often results in a withdrawal from stories that may draw negative attention from powerful far-right entities.

The report specifically highlights actions taken by the Hungarian government and the former Polish administration as particularly concerning.

“The chilling effect must also apply to the creators themselves,” the report asserts, emphasizing that screenwriters are more likely to pitch projects aligned with prevailing political sentiments. Genres that celebrate national pride or escapism are increasingly favored, while stories centered on immigrants or LGBTQ experiences may be sidelined.

The FSE points to a growing dependency on public broadcaster funding and governmental support for creative projects, suggesting that a decrease in such funding could significantly reduce opportunities for screenwriters and others in the industry.

In contrast, the report notes a relatively robust landscape for film and television production in Europe compared to the U.S., where less than half of the feature films produced in 2023 originated.

Lasting consequences from the Trump administration

The report also directly addresses the impact of Donald Trump’s administration, expressing concerns that its authoritarian tendencies might jeopardize funding for European creative projects.

“Far-right hostility to the EU’s regulatory frameworks, combined with the Trump administration’s animosity toward regulations seen as impediments to U.S. companies, threatens to undermine the legislative foundation supporting Europe’s audiovisual landscape, potentially having enduring ramifications for the livelihoods of creatives,” the report states.

Specific actions, such as the recent closure of the Trump Kennedy Center for “renovations,” have raised alarms about global freedoms of expression. Additionally, it mentions JD Vance’s remarks on the retreat of free speech in Europe, criticizing his stance given the EU’s stronger performance on press freedom.

Interestingly, the report notes that even some far-right parties have grown disenchanted with Trump’s administration due to perceived attacks on European sovereignty.

Rights and responsibilities

At Series Mania in Lille, proponents of the report are advocating for increased vigilance regarding instances of censorship, public statements from political figures, and controversial cultural appointments.

The FSE plans to use this data to push for the establishment of a dedicated European Observatory focused on freedom of artistic expression in audiovisual writing, or to ensure that this area is integrated into existing frameworks.

“We live in a time of authentic crisis,” the report concludes. “These crises cannot be resolved by ignoring their existence. Screenwriters have both the right and the responsibility to resist the erosion of freedom of expression and to assert the importance and value of their narratives.”