– Strasbourg, 26 March 2019 –

MEPS HAVE VOTED FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR OUR INDEPENDENT PRESS, FOR PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM, FOR CREATIVITY AND ITS CREATORS, FOR CULTURE, FOR A THRIVING DIGITAL ECONOMY, AND FOR FAIRNESS

Europe’s press publishers welcome MEPs’ adoption in Plenary in Strasbourg today, Tuesday, 26 March, of the EU Copyright Directive – a copyright reform that is crucial for the future of a healthy, independent press sector, a fair digital ecosystem and a content-rich internet.

Carlo Perrone, President of ENPA (European Newspaper Publishers’ Association) said: “This is an historic vote for Europe’s soul and culture. After more than two years of debate and scrutiny, fairness has prevailed in the form of a copyright reform that will be essential for the future of press publishing and professional journalism. Thanks to this directive, web users are now guaranteed a pluralist and democratic internet in the years to come.”

Xavier Bouckaert President of EMMA (European Magazine Media Association) said: “This is a vote against content theft. Publishers of all sizes and other creators will now have the right to set terms and conditions for others to re-use their content commercially, as is only fair and appropriate.”

Christian Van Thillo, Chairman of the EPC (European Publishers Council) said: “This text modernises copyright without stifling digital innovation. As press publishers, we would like to thank Europe’s regulators for adopting this important directive that acknowledges the value of the press to society and the need for fair remuneration for the commercial re-use of our intellectual property.”

Fernando de Yarza Lopez Madrazo, President of News Media Europe (NME) said: “This directive will help forge a healthier working relationship between creators and platforms and will help news publishers continue to invest in the creation of fact-checked, professional content to enrich the internet and benefit consumers.”

Next steps: the directive has to be formally approved by the Council