Exchanging with Commissioner Gabriel today, AEPO-ARTIS, FIA, FIM and IAO shared with her what they consider the European Commission’s key priorities should be in order to strengthen performers’ protection and enable them to envisage fulfilling professional careers.
AEPO-ARTIS, FIA, FIM and IAO welcome that the European Commission recognised the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cultural and creative sector in its recent EU recovery plan. In this regard, it is absolutely essential that the EU can provide performers with appropriate short- and mid-term support, financial and otherwise.
However, the pandemic again illustrates that the current legislative framework does not sufficiently protect performers in the digital environment.
During the COVID-19 crisis, EU citizens have enjoyed and are still enjoying music, TV series and film in their confinement via on demand platforms such as Spotify and Netflix. Yet, despite the substantial profits these platforms make, most performers do not get a fair share from online use. This is due to the overwhelming contractual practices of the market as well as to the existing legal framework which does not sufficiently protect performers.
The implementation of the 2019 EU Copyright Directive provides Member States with a unique opportunity to remedy this situation. Article 18 requires Member States to ensure that performers receive appropriate and proportionate remuneration notably from on demand exploitations.
By introducing an unwaivable remuneration right for performers, paid by on-demand platforms and subject to mandatory collective management by performers’ organisations, all musicians, singers, actors, dancers would be guaranteed a fair share of these revenues.
During the meeting, Commissioner Gabriel expressed “The EU Copyright Directive should be read as bringing concrete benefits to performers. Given the impact of the current pandemic on creators all around Europe, it is crucial that Member States implement the Directive without further delay”.
AEPO-ARTIS, FIA, FIM and IAO welcomed the Commissioner’s support and are looking to the national governments to ensure performers are not left behind in the thriving Digital Single Market.
The press release is available here: FAIR INTERNET coalition meets with Commissioner Gabriel: Press release
For more information, please contact Nicole Schulze (+32 487 25 09 51)
Our website: http://www.fair-internet.eu
