April 3, 2017

The Legal Affairs Committee has approved new draft rules to make more books available in formats designed for blind and visually impaired people. The draft legislation, which brings EU law into line with the Marrakesh Treaty, provides for copyright exceptions for formats such as audiobooks and Braille.

Two legislative Resolutions, both approved by 22 votes to 0, with no abstentions, aim to increase the number of books, journals, newspapers, magazines and sheet music available to people who are blind, visually impaired or have other problems reading print.

The draft rules provide for mandatory copyright exceptions to allow the production of accessible format copies of books and other print material. MEPs agreed that Member States should not be allowed to impose any additional requirements on these copyright exceptions, such as compensation schemes for publishers or commercial availability checks prior to the exchange of accessible format books.

Further, the new rules would ensure cross-border circulation of accessible format books inside the EU and with non-EU countries that have signed the Marrakesh Treaty.

People with visual impairments face many barriers in accessing print material. In the EU, the share of books available to them in accessible formats such as Braille, large print, adapted e-books and audiobooks, is estimated at between 7% and 20%.

The committee approved a mandate to start informal talks with the Council on the two legislative Resolutions with a view to reaching a first-reading agreement. To read the European Parliament’s press release in full, click here.