EU Copyright Directive: EUA issues guidelines for universities
18 June 2019
EUA has prepared a set of guidelines for the university sector to influence the national implementation of the EU Copyright Directive.
The document highlights the key provisions that are relevant to education, research and innovation, as well as the opportunities and dangers involved in their transposition into national law.
The EU Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market was adopted by the European Parliament in March and endorsed by the Council of the European Union in April. Member states started transposing the adopted Directive into national law on 7 June in a process that will end in June 2021. Importantly, many provisions allow member states considerable room for interpretation. This makes it essential for National Rectors’ Conferences and universities to engage with their national governments during this process.
EUA issued a cautious response to the adopted Directive earlier this year. While the Association welcomes the greater clarity for the use of protected material in a digital environment, as well as key exemptions for the educational and scientific activities of European universities, there is concern about the Directive’s impact on other sectors and the wider society.
EUA’s guidelines are intended to support universities in making their voices heard in national discussions in the coming months and years.
