Brussels, 12/05/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 12 May, under the chairmanship of the new Czech minister in charge of audiovisual issues, Vaclav Reidlbauch, the Council held an exchange of views on creative online content and the fight against piracy. In November 2008, member states adopted conclusions recognising the importance of developing quality online services that are attractive and easy to use. On Tuesday, member states mutually informed each other of the progress made in their countries. Several member states (Sweden and Germany in particular) implemented a policy of dialogue and exchange between those owning the rights, consumers and access providers, in an effort to develop better mutual respect. They underlined the fact that they needed a balance between respect for copyright and respect for fundamental rights like information access. Some countries have made more progress in fighting piracy. In Sweden, a law has just entered into force that allows those owning copyright to obtain the internet addresses of those breaching copyright through downloading creative content. In Belgium, a law was set up in October 2007 that considerably increased the sanctions against acts of piracy. Spain stressed that the creative online contents industry provides Europe with enormous development potential. The country plans to organise a mediation body to develop a self-regulation process that does not impede development. Member states also mentioned the need to raise awareness in schools and elsewhere for “education on the media”. Italy affirmed that simple criminal sanctions are not enough. (I.L./trans/rh)