Commissioner McCreevy has declared his intention to come forward with a proposal extending copyright term on music recordings in Europe

Brussels, 14th February 2008 – Artists and the international recording industry today warmly welcomed the announcement by EU Internal Market Commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, that he will shortly come forward with a proposal to ensure fairness on copyright term. Tens of thousands of performers, producers, music publishers and entertainment retailers have been calling for an improvement of copyright term in Europe to match the term provided by the EU’s major trading partners.

Performers and producers are provided with 50 years protection on music recordings in the European Union, compared to 95 years provided in the United States. There is no justification for this gap in protection, especially at a time when the Internet is providing the opportunity to give early recordings a whole new lease of life.

Performers and producers will work with the Commission on the details of the proposal to ensure that all performers benefit financially from any extension of term of protection and that their recordings can be made available to the public.

John F Smith, President, International Federation of Musicians (FIM), said: "This is great news for thousands of musicians and we are especially delighted that the Commission has acted to benefit session musicians. We are indebted to our friends and colleagues across the music industry for their ongoing support in achieving this most welcome of outcomes. This is a clear sign that the music community working together has a powerful voice.”

John Kennedy, Chairman & CEO of IFPI, said: “We applaud Commissioner McCreevy for the vision he has shown in keeping creativity right at the centre of the European economy. Only by putting its creative community on the same footing as its international partners can the EU promote vital investment in young talent and new music, all of which will help to secure Europe’s future as an exciting and diverse music market. ”