EAVI welcomes the news that negotiators from the European Parliament, Council and Commission reached a compromise on April 10 that will see draft legislation to implement the Marrakesh Treaty in the European Union.

Once implemented, the legislation will improve access to published works for EU citizens who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled. This includes the provision of adapted e-books and audiobooks and other accessible formats such as braille. Around only one to seven percent of books are available in accessible formats across the world.

Vice-President for the Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip said: “ I am delighted that EU copyright rules will now be adapted to allow visually impaired and people with reading disabilities to access a wider range of reading material in the EU and in third countries that they can use for their education, work and entertainment. I am particularly pleased that our Digital Single Market strategy creates more social inclusion. And I am also confident that this compromise today will pave the way for a rapid ratification of the Marrakesh treaty by the EU”.

The news is certainly encouraging. An effective Digital Single Market needs mandatory, cross-border harmonisation and strong copyright exceptions for media and information consumers from all walks of life. EAVI welcomes any move to increase citizens’ access to media. As EAVI fully supports Communia’s campaign, Rightcopyright, we remain hopeful that legislators can come to agreements regarding exceptions for education.

If you support the need for educators to enjoy a copyright system that is collaborative, open and facilitates use of the tools and technologies available today please head to the Rightcopyright webpage and sign the petition.