#Blind and #VisuallyImpaired EU citizens gain easier access to books across EU borders

Books, magazines and other printed material are now more easily available in accessible formats for all blind and visually impaired persons and across the EU. This follows the ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty by the EU, which was finalized on 1 October 2018. As part of the Digital Single Market Strategy, the new rules create a mandatory and EU-wide exception to copyright rules. Digital Single Market Vice President Andrus Ansip said: “This Treaty is a real step to improve social inclusion, access to culture and entertainment, of people who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print-disabled. They will allow special formats of print material - such as braille or daisy - to be made and disseminated for people with print disabilities.” Digital Economy and Society Commissioner Mariya Gabriel said: “Today marks an important breakthrough for more inclusiveness for blind and visually impaired in the EU. Finally, they not only gain easier access to books and other published works necessary for work or pleasure, but can also exchange them across the EU. Without the prior authorization of rights holders, fast access to more and more diverse content will be guaranteed.” The Marrakesh Treaty itself was adopted at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in 2013. The EU legislation on the Marrakesh Treaty was proposed by the Commission as part as the ongoing modernization of the EU copyright legislation.

Share this article: