Brussels, 26/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - European Coalitions for Cultural Diversity (CEDC) strongly rejects the conclusions of the draft report on copyright by MEP Julia Reda, presented last week (see EUROPE 11233).
Despite Reda's stated desire to ensure a “balanced” framework, creators and performers accuse her of not taking account of the realities of the cultural and creative industries. “This draft report is a mere copy-paste of proposals made over the last 10 years by pirate parties and organisations in favour of an unregulated internet”, says CEDC. The text provides neither a serious and scientific evaluation of the effects of the 2001 directive nor legal analysis to substantiate the changes to the legal framework it is proposing, argues CEDC, adding that the draft is “unbalanced” and “anti-copyright”. CEDC points out that copyright is “the basis for European creation and its dynamism, and is a condition for the freedom of creators”. It therefore calls on MEPs to react and to ensure a “more balanced and more modern vision of copyright prevails, which can guarantee creators a high level of protection of their rights”. Without major changes this report will remain unacceptable “to all those who want cultural creation to remain ambitious, strong and diverse in Europe”, CEDC states.
Open Forum Europe (OFE), an association that represents the interests of the largest IT content providers, takes a diametrically opposed view. The report “puts forward an ambitious reform of the EU copyright rules, addressing a number of points previously raised by OFE in reply to the public consultation organised by the previous Commission”, OFE says. It particularly welcomes the idea of creating a Single European Copyright Title, making existing exceptions and limitations obligatory in all member states, and harmonising the copyright term of protection in alignment with the Berne Convention (50 years after the death of the author). “Copyright rules need to be adapted to the modern age to unlock creativity, innovation and growth. … This draft report constitutes a positive first milestone in a long path ahead”, stressed OFE Director in charge of European Policy & Government Relations, Maël Brunet. (IL)