The European Commission has launched a call for evidence as part of a review of EU copyright rules, including the 2019 Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market, and is seeking feedback on the effectiveness of the EU’s copyright framework and the impact of generative AI on licensing, enforcement, and creators’ rights.
The review will examine whether the directive improved licensing practices, facilitated access to copyrighted material online, and contributed to a fairer digital marketplace for creators and rights holders.
The consultation remains open until June 15, 2026. Other areas under review include online piracy of live events, remuneration for performers and music producers, and access to copyrighted works for scientific research and reuse.
Copyright and AI
Rapid market and technological developments are reshaping the creative economy and online landscape. The Commission is also seeking stakeholder’s views on challenges raised by generative artificial intelligence for the licensing and enforcement of rights, the fight against online piracy of live events in particular, the remuneration of performers and producers for recorded music played in the EU, and access to and re-use of works for research purposes.
Why it matters
The process comes as copyright disputes involving AI companies, publishers, artists, and technology platforms continue to expand globally. Questions around how copyrighted works are scraped, licensed, or reproduced through AI systems have become a central issue in digital policy and creative industries regulation.
Further reading
European Commission opens review of EU copyright rules amid AI and licensing debates. Press release. May 19, 2026. European Commission
Commission seeks views on the review of EU Copyright Rules. Press release. May 18, 2026. European Commission
Call for evidence. Landing page to provide input. Comment period runs from May 13 through June 25, 2026. European Commission
