2014 Articles

The Future of Copyright in Europe

Martin-Prat, Maria

Some would say that for there to be a future of copyright in Europe, there needs to be reform. Others would say that the best way to ensure any future for copyright is to refrain from intervention. My own view, as I will explain, is that a rational review of copyright rules is required to maintain the legitimacy and robustness of the system in Europe. I am also of the view—as you might expect from the head of the copyright department in the European Commission—that such review needs to be done not at the national but at the European level. Ultimately, this Article will address the drivers and key issues in the ongoing discussions, as well as the possible steps going forward. Before doing that, however, it is important to place the conversation in context.