On 29 November MEPs in the JURI Committee approved new rules to enable EU citizens subscribing to services that give access to online music, games, films or sporting events, to enjoy this content while abroad in another EU country.

After the summer break the Consumer agenda has been hotting up in the European Parliament.

The IMCO and JURI Committees have been busy examining the raft of proposals presented by the Commission earlier in the year.

The provision of copyright-protected online content services is still largely characterised by territorial and exclusive licensing practices, which result in a lack of cross-border portability in the EU. This will change with this proposal. As long as Europeans have submitted proof of permanent residence in their member state of residence when subscribing to an online content service, they will have access to the proposed content whatever device they use and whatever member state they are travelling in, for whatever reason, be it professional, private or for studies.

To verify the member state of residence, strong verification measures will be put in place, such as random checks via the subscriber’s IP address, but always guaranteeing user privacy and the proper application of relevant copyright rules. This provision is all the more advantageous as it excludes any tracing or geolocation and ensures the protection of personal data.

Committee members also voted to grant a mandate to the rapporteur Jean Marie Cavada to enter into negotiations with the Council with a view to reaching a compromise on the proposed law.

You can find the report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on ensuring the cross-border portability of online content services in the internal market here.

Again on 29 November, the IMCO Committee held a meeting to discuss the draft Report on the proposal for a directive on certain aspects concerning contracts for the online and other distance sales of goods. The meeting began with the rapporteur Pascal Arimont pointing out that the proposal was based on two main principles: the harmonisation of rules and the focus on small companies. In the MEPs interventions concerns emerged on the perceived reduction of consumers’ rights that the proposal would bring about, and how that would not be easily understandable by citizens. Another issue that saw some disagreement among MEPs was the proposed scrapping of minor defects.

You can find the proposal for a directive on certain aspects concerning contracts for the online and other distance sales of goods here.

and the report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on certain aspects concerning contracts for the online and other distance sales of goods here.

On the same day, the JURI and IMCO Committees in a joint meeting looked into the report on contracts for the supply of digital content . The report, jointly presented by two rapporteurs, Axel Voss (JURI) and Evelyne Gebhardt (IMCO) seeks to, amongst other things, clarify the scope of the proposed directive vis-à-vis the online sales of goods proposal, and address data protection concerns. During the discussion MEPs shared their views that further clarification of concepts and legal frameworks was fundamental for the application of the proposed Directive. Finally, concerns were raised on the proposal to consider the possibility to pay for online services with data as similar to paying with money.

You can find the proposal for a directive on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content here.

and the report on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on certain aspects concerning contracts for the supply of digital content here.