15/02/2017 (Agence Europe) – The proposal to create neighbouring law for press publications is still subject to discussions. This time, it is the turn of the German press is to take a position on the subject. Unsurprisingly, they support this idea, as borne out by a press release published on Wednesday 15 February. It is co-signed by the German Publishers’ Federation (BDZV) and a syndicate representing the French daily press publications (SPQN). It indicates that the two parties are committed to recognising “global and universal” neighbouring law for European press publishers, to protect the press against exploitation of content by third parties and to work towards creating a balanced situation between press companies, international technology firms and equipment manufacturers. Organisations active in defending freedoms on the Internet, such as the EDRI and Communia - are firmly opposed to creating this kind of law, which is contained, however, in the draft directive on copyright. (SPj)