23 April 2009 - The European Parliament today voted (1) to extend music copyright from 50 to 70 years. While this is less than the 95 years proposed by the Commission, the vote still represents a blow for artists and consumers. MEPs rejected Green amendments, first to reject the directive outright, and subsequently to ensure that copyright would return to the artist for the extended period.

At a press conference in the Parliament in Strasbourg yesterday, the Green MEPs outlined their opposition to the Commission’s proposals and were joined by singer-songwriter Billy Bragg, who supported Green amendments to give more power to artists.

UK Green MEP Caroline Lucas said:

“I am disappointed that MEPs chose to ignore the voices of the artists they claim to be helping. It is clear that action is needed to better reward performers for their work, but the legislation approved today is absolutely not the solution. The copyright extension to 70 years will fill the pockets of a limited number of powerful corporations and harm performer rights and artistic creativity.

“Every independent voice in this debate, including all the academic experts and two independent reports (one paid for by the Commission and the other by the UK Government) agree that the money for the recording industry will come almost entirely out of the pockets of consumers. Consumers and DJs who sample will also be hit by a more restricted choice of music in the public domain."

Green MEP and legal affairs committee member Eva Lichtenberger, who submitted Amendment 23 to revert copyright to an artist after 50 years, commented:

"Parliament’s vote will be music to the ears of the big record companies and top-earning artists. If the legislation was truly about helping artists and consumers, MEPs would have agreed to give 100% of its benefits to performers and not just 20% - most of which will be gobbled up by a handful of already super-rich superstar performers.

“In the digital music age, record companies can no longer justify taking a huge cut of royalties, leaving only leftovers for the artists. They are pocketing money that in the past would have been spent much more on physical distribution and promotion. We need copyright rules relevant for the digital age and innovative solutions to ensure that artists and music lovers get the best possible deal, not the middle men."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

(1) Vote: 317 in favour 178 against 37 abstentions.

Caption: Billy Bragg, member of the Featured Artists’ Coalition, joins a press conference co-hosted by Caroline in the European Parliament, 22 April 2009