Last month the European Commission released its proposed changes to copyright in the EU. Unfortunately, the proposal fails to deliver on the promise for a modern copyright law in Europe.

In an ideal world, the Directive would have provided for progressive policy changes to serve the goals of a unified digital marketplace across Europe. It would have jumpstarted economic activity, championed innovative digital technologies and services, and protected consumers and access to information. It would have expanded opportunities for European businesses, cultural heritage institutions, educators, and the research community.

The Commission’s plan does little to advance these goals, instead making the European copyright framework more complex and unfit for the digital age. With the proposal from the Commission on the table, the legislative focus shifts to the EU Member States, the European Parliament, and the Council of the European Union. Several Member States are currently engaged in brief national-level public consultations in response to the Commission’s proposition.

Creative Commons published a letter that outlines the primary areas of concern, discusses potential policy solutions, and offers continued support to Member States as they solicit public input that will inform the forthcoming legislative proceedings.

Over 30 of our international affiliate teams and associated organizations are signatories to the letter. We are working with CC affiliates across Europe to provide feedback and ideas to the ongoing consultations.

Let’s work together to improve the Commission’s disappointing proposal. Now is the time for Europe to redouble its efforts to make positive changes to copyright that will benefit all stakeholders, including creators, users, and the public interest.

Creative Commons Letter to European Member States on Commission Copyright Proposal [PDF]

Screwdriver And Wrench by To Uyen, CC BY 3.0 US
Copyright by Marek Polakovic, CC BY 3.0 US