§ 01
Definition
Since 1 April 2018, providers of paid streaming, music, e-book and gaming services must let subscribers who reside in one member state access the same service when travelling elsewhere in the EU, without extra charges. Free services may opt in.
§ 02
How it works
The provider verifies your home country, for example by payment details or IP checks, and then treats you as if you were at home while you travel. The right covers temporary stays, not moving abroad permanently.
§ 03
Why it matters
Within the EU, you often do not need a VPN to keep watching your home Netflix, Spotify or national broadcaster's paid service. A VPN still helps for free broadcaster apps that do not opt in, and for privacy on hotel Wi-Fi.