What is the problem? Downloading across European countries is tough!

Online platforms are an easy way to distribute and exchange all kinds of content: music, films, pictures and more. Consumers have high expectations – they want to access content effectively and efficiently online. But Europe lacks a unified market for online content. It can be difficult for example, for a Maltese consumer to download from a German website

Why is EU action needed? Consumers and authors both lose out

Consumers do not have access to all available European content and authors are losing revenue because of the illegal markets which spring up to bridge the gaps.

Often, the difficulties with accessing content online spring from licensing difficulties. Efficient collective rights management will enable innovative and consumer-friendly content distribution across Europe.

What will the Commission do?

By end 2010

• The Commission will publish an impact assessment and a draft proposal on simplifying the licensing of content on a multi-territorial basis.

In 2011

• A legislative proposal will be issued at the beginning of 2011.

In 2012

• The Commission will consult the stakeholders and will issue a report on the need for additional measures to promote cross-border and pan-European licenses.

Contact:

michael.niebel@ec.europa.eu