PRESS RELEASE - Stand Up for ©ulture. Stand up for Europe. FEP welcomes provisional agreement between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission on 13 February 2019

FEP welcomes the outcome of the final trilogue on 13 February and the provisional agreement reached on the Directive Proposal on Copyright in the DSM.

The provisional agreement reached today among the three institutions is a crucial step towards the adoption of the Copyright Directive before the end of this legislative term. Publishers expect much-needed legal certainty for their future investments, allowing them to continue to foster access to knowledge and contribute to cultural diversity.

Publishing and the values of freedom of expression, creativity, knowledge and understanding that it represents have long been at the heart of Europe’s society and its economy. Hundreds of thousands of EU citizens go to work each day to pursue this endeavour and whilst we all understand that the way we publish is changing, our values and societal contribution are not. We therefore agree that it is essential that Europe finds a way to establish a digital single market, not just for the benefit of publishers but also that of the authors and readers whom we serve.

The copyright system established in the infancy of the internet whereby platforms were able to exploit content created and produced by others without either permission or payment is no longer fit for digital purpose. Their desire to perpetuate this system may make sense for them but does not make sense for Europe. Put simply, it is not fair, and it is not in Europe’s long-term interests.

In addition, young Europeans are at risk of growing up with a false impression of the economic and cultural value of creative endeavour and the commitment and investment it has taken to create and maintain the rich cultural tapestry and knowledge economy that remains our continent’s defining characteristic.

FEP stands for 29 national Publishers Associations in Europe. Our members represent book, journal and educational content, in all formats. European publishing is a leading sector worldwide with seven out of the ten largest publishing groups belonging to European companies.

For more information: contact Anne Bergman-Tahon, FEP Director abergman@fep-fee.eu or 0032477-33-65-76