The European Parliament has backed new laws enabling online music providers to buy licences across multiple EU territories.
Under the new legislation, digital music providers such as Spotify will be able secure music rights from collective management bodies.
This means they will be able to purchase a licence to allow streaming across the EU rather than be forced to buy licences for individual countries.
Sajjad Karim, MEP and European Conservatives and Reformists Group Legal Affairs spokesman, said: ‘New digital music services such as Deezer and Spotify are coming online and challenging established tech giants in many EU countries, but they are currently hampered by outdated licencing laws. These rules will make it easier for companies to offer musical services right across the EU, with access to over 500 million consumers.
'For music lovers, these reforms will mean a greater choice of services and eventually cheaper music. This directive will help those new start-up companies that are already revolutionising how we receive our music online.’
He added: ‘The digital music revolution will no longer be hampered by outdated EU law. There are already some great online music services in different EU countries and soon they can be made available right across the continent.’
The legislation is reported by the EU Observer to come into force in 2016.
Under the new legislation, digital music providers such as Spotify will be able secure music rights from collective management bodies.
This means they will be able to purchase a licence to allow streaming across the EU rather than be forced to buy licences for individual countries.
Sajjad Karim, MEP and European Conservatives and Reformists Group Legal Affairs spokesman, said: ‘New digital music services such as Deezer and Spotify are coming online and challenging established tech giants in many EU countries, but they are currently hampered by outdated licencing laws. These rules will make it easier for companies to offer musical services right across the EU, with access to over 500 million consumers.
'For music lovers, these reforms will mean a greater choice of services and eventually cheaper music. This directive will help those new start-up companies that are already revolutionising how we receive our music online.’
He added: ‘The digital music revolution will no longer be hampered by outdated EU law. There are already some great online music services in different EU countries and soon they can be made available right across the continent.’
The legislation is reported by the EU Observer to come into force in 2016.
