Speaking to reporters in Berlin, government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius dismissed Greer’s warning that if implemented the proposal “would be at odds with the Turnberry Agreement.” Germany remains committed to “very close and constructive trade relations” with the U.S., Kornelius said. He also maintained the proposed obligations fall squarely within accepted cultural policy rules. “It is agreed that no unjustified digital trade barriers will be erected. And we are adhering to that,” the spokesperson said, adding that the investment obligations “do not constitute market access barriers” and that the funds would flow directly into productions that streamers themselves can exploit commercially. “This is therefore not a levy or a tax.” Kornelius also pointed to existing precedents, describing Germany’s proposal as “very moderate by European standards.” France already requires major streamers to invest at least 20 percent of local revenue into French and European productions, while Italy set its quota at 16 percent in 2024. Both operate under the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive, which allows member countries to require platforms to financially support European works, and …