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The European Parliament adopted a report during this weeks plenary session in Strasbourg calling on Members States and the EU to step up their efforts to fight counterfeiting and digital theft.



In a joint statement the International Federation of Actors (FIA), the International Federation of Musicians (FIM) and UNI-MEI Global Union for Media, Entertainment & Arts (UNI MEI) welcomed the adoption of the “Gallo report” on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in the Internal Market by the European Parliament yesterday.



FIA, FIM and UNI-MEI which form the International Arts and Entertainment Alliance underlined that they are satisfied that a majority of members of the European Parliament acknowledge that copyright and neighbouring rights are as relevant to creators in the digital world as they are in the analogue environment.



The three organisations have campaigned together to make the voice of creators and all other media and entertainment workers heard in this debate, which was and still is polarised by a discussion on rights of Internet versus rights of corporate interests.



In discussion with Members of Parliament and political groups the trade unions have underlined that creators deserve a fair share of the income generated by the exploitation of their work. They also need the industry to remain sustainable and continue to create employment opportunities. The rollover of new business models for legal distribution online needs to be encouraged, in order to provide consumers with more choice, increased flexibility of use and affordable rates.



The Gallo report acknowledges the fact that unauthorised file sharing has grown to proportions that have an adverse impact on jobs and investment. It acknowledges the fact that research is necessary in order to quantify this impact further and calls on the Commission to undertake an independent impact assessment study.



The report further acknowledges the importance of providing additional legal offers to end users, with the flexibility they expect both in terms of access and price. The report also recognises that such legal offers may not be the only solution to mass IPR infringements and that a comprehensive IPR strategy is necessary to enable content industries to remain viable, including educational measures and enforcement mechanisms – in full compliance with the Charter and European Convention on Human Rights. Such strategy is to be drafted in consultation with all stakeholders and all EU institutional players.



Although the Gallo report does mention the need for fair and proportionate sanctions as part of that overall strategy, it does not suggest specific solutions, it does not advocate for a European HADOPI nor suggests anywhere that criminal sanctions should be taken against consumers – an approach that the trade unions would not approve of.



Following the report the European Commission is expected to present the review of the EU Directive on Copyright Enforcement (IPRED Directive). This review process is an opportunity to discuss concrete measures to improve the protection of audiovisual works and other creative content online, a debate UNI MEI and its sister organisations will take an active part in. Furthermore, the trade unions seek to continue the dialogue with all political groups regarding how to improve the rights and remuneration of creators and all creative workers in the digital economy.