This spring the ongoing effort to modernize the outdated copyright rules enters into the decisive fase. It is widely expected that both the European Parliament and the EU Member states will their position on the proposed Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive. Right now things are not looking good: instead of a much needed update of the copyright framework that would enable new uses driven by technological innovation, policy makers in Brussels are working towards new restrictions that would would limit how information and creativity can be shared and enjoyed online.
Against this backdrop we are organising European Copyright Action Days on 19-21 march in Brussels. During these days we want to highlight the broad opposition of civil society, libraries, the users industry and many others concerning the restrictive aspects of the copyright reform proposal. During these days activists will convene in Brussels to discuss with lawmakers and advocate for a more future proof reform and to raise attention for the dangers of the proposed measures.
Monday March 19th
The unintended consequences of getting copyright wrong
09:15 – 12:30, The Radisson Red The action days kick off on Monday the 19th with an discussion on “the unintended consequences of getting copyright wrong” hosted by EDiMA. The event will revolve around Articles 11 and 13 of the proposal and will bring forward experts from different sectors to highlight what is at stake focusing on the far-reaching impact on the future of innovative businesses in Europe. You can register here).
Tuesday March 20th
Humans of copyright – the real life stories
08:00 – 09:30, Members’ Restaurant, European Parliament On Tuesday morning Copyright 4 Creativity is hosting a “Humans of copyright – the real life stories” breakfast in the European Parliament (invitation only). The breakfast is co-hosted by MEPs Catherine Stihler (S&D, UK), Lidia Joanna Geringer de Oedenberg (S&D, PL), and Felix Reda (Greens/EFA, Germany).
The Future of Technology in Education
11:00 – 1230, Room A7F387, European Parliament Later on Tuesday morning COMMUNIA is hosting a roundtable on the future of education. How is education benefiting from the use of technology – now and in the future? The round table, co-hosted by MEP Marietje Schaake, will assess this question and explain whether new technological and legal developments (especially article 4 of the proposed copyright directive) can be an enabler or a roadblock in this context.
If you are interested in participating in this roundtable please register here
Communia Salon
14:00 – 17:30, The Museum of Natural Sciences On Tuesday afternoon we will convene for the first COMMUNIA salon at the Museum of Natural Sciences, which is located 5 minutes walking distance from the European Parliament. We will bring together activists, academics and policy makers to discuss challenges on the intersection of creativity, value creation and copyright in the online environment.
We will kick off the day with a discussion on the future of creativity in the online environment. This session will focus on the issue of rewarding creators for their contributions, while preserving the open nature of the internet. A second session will focus on exploring the consequences of the half-hearted copyright reform proposal that is currently moving through the European institutions. Under the title “Copyright Directive 2030: what kind of internet will we have in Europe if the current Directive passes?” we will explore a possible copyright landscape in 10 years from now.
You can register for the COMMUNIA Salon by sending us an email at communia@communia-association.org
Defending freedom of expression and European digital culture
18:00 – 21:30, The Museum of Natural Sciences From 1800h onwards Create.Refresh takes over the Museum of Natural Sciences with an evening of talks, screenings and performances by Alice Valentin, Axelle Tessandier, Edouard Mauriat, François Ier, Marc H’Limi and the Thug Robot. The evening is closed with a DJ set from Simon Lundsgaard and a projection mapping on the building by Makio & Floz.
You can register for the Create.refresh event by RSVP-ing to rsvp@createrefresh.eu
Wednesday, March 21st
Networking and advocacy workshops
9:00 – 12:00, place to be confirmed On Wednesday morning we will organize an invitation-only networking workshop for activists interested in working together with the aim of being more visible across the EU member states. This workshop will discuss best practices, shared strategies and means of cooperating and supporting each other.
14:00 – 16:00, European Parliament On the Wednesday afternoon we will wrap up the copyright action days with a workshop inside the European Parliament. This invitation-only workshop co-hosted by MEP Felix Reda will provide the opportunity to learn more about how the policy process in the European Parliament works. It will provide a behind the scenes view from policymakers and activists directly involved in the copyright reform process in the last several years.
If you are interested in participating in either of these workshops please get in touch with us via communia@communia-association.org
