In light of the ongoing development of the digital world and – at the same time – outdated, unsuitable copyright rulings, comprehensive copyright reform has been discussed by the public, in Member States and within the European institutions.

The European Commission has published a proposal for Directive on copyright in the digital single market which is now discussed in European Parliament. Pearle* welcomes this initiative to review the EU copyright framework for the digital age. It is essential to introduce overdue modernisations and make European copyright rules fit for the online world.

As creative content online is able to circulate regardless of national frontiers, certain rules on copyright and neighbouring rights need to be tackled at European level.