Commissioner Oettinger meets with EMMA Board, delegation of publishers on future of the sector

Members of the EMMA Board and a delegation of European publishers met with Commissioner Günther Oettinger yesterday evening to discuss the future of Europe’s publishing sector. On this occasion, Oettinger expressed his broad support for publishers, saying that they play a necessary role in the creation and dissemination of quality content, which is crucial for a democratic society. He also participated in a Q&A with EMMA members, during which the Commission’s copyright proposal, proposal on reduced VAT rates, and e-Privacy proposal were discussed.

Oettinger’s remarks at this meeting were reflected in the keynote speech he gave at the annual Publishers’ Summit in Berlin last week. At this event, which is hosted by the German Publishers’ Association (VDZ) and is one of the biggest media events in Germany, Oettinger noted how advertising revenues are increasingly going towards platforms at the expense of the providers and creators of content, saying that it is increasingly important to close this value gap and create a level playing field in order for Europe’s creative sector to maintain its commercial viability. He added that no platform provider can afford to lose the European single market, but that this requires them to respect the rules – for instance on taxation and data protection – that make up the basis for fair competition.

For more information, please contact:

Karin Fleming 
EMMA Communications Manager

karin.fleming@magazinemedia.eu

+32 2 536 0607