European Union closes deal with music industry on online distribution of music

Commissioner Kroes (competition) has struck a deal with representatives from the music industry to improve online access to music in the 27 member states of the European Union.

Companies like EMI, Universal, Apple Nokia and Amazon have pledged their support to the plan. In a joint statement, the participants state to take steps that will lead to "improved online music opportunities for European consumers".

The agreement is to take us closer to an internal market for consuming music digitally. The parties involved all agree that a transparent internal market will benefit all. This internal market consists among others of unambiguous rules on collecting licences and royalties, something that is now arranged differently by member states.

Record labels and artists see their interests served with an internal market, as their products are more accessible to consumers. The advantage for consumers is improved and convenient online access to music.

The agreement also states that actors will cooperate in preventing and reducing piracy as file sharing could harm experimental new services.