Statements on EU Policies
EVA'S Statements on EU Policies
Since its foundation in 1997 EVA has regulary participated in all hearings and consultations which are organised by the EU institutions in the field of concern for the visual authors. As EVA represents a highly specialised field the constant information of the EU institutions is most important to make aware of the legal and economic situation of artists. The goals of EVA and the information on its members' activities are expressed in many submissions adressed to the EU institutions.
This is the case for the EU Directives which were in progress during this period. The support given to reach the adoption of the resale right for the benefit of the author of an original work of art plays an outstanding role in this respect. Besides the intensive activities by EVA, its members, the support by CISAC, GESAC and freinds it was mostly due to the intervention of numerous artists who signed petitions and letters in favour of the legislation.
Another matter of concern is the EU policy on collective management which has strongly changed direction during the last years.
The question of how to regulate digital private copies is also an important issue for EVA. While appreciating the new business opportunities for visual artists which are an integral part of the newer technologies we remind the EU authorities that the choice on rights clearance has to be taken by the owners of the rights. Digital rights management systems can improve rights managemnt but they need to be applied in a way that does not lead to a watering down of the authors' rights. Therefore, we advice EU authorities to analyse the different sectors of work categories, the specific market, the particular technical challenges and the outcome for the authors. For the visual arts no efficient technical protection means are available which were essential for a successful us of DRMs.