EU competition law

27.9.2016

Question for written answer E-007152-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Bernd Lange (S&D)

It has come to my attention that university libraries are endeavouring to negotiate nationwide licences with Elsevier, Wiley and Springer. This means that the book trade is being excluded, budgetary resources are being committed in the long term and companies that already dominate the academic market are being promoted.

In addition, it appears that publishers decide what academic publications are published in Open Access.

1. What are the Commission’s findings in this area?

2. How will the Commission prevent small and medium-sized publishers, booksellers and library suppliers from paying the price for this development, and how does it intend to ensure alternative ways for academics to publish?

3. To what extent is this situation consistent with European competition law, and how does the Commission ensure compliance?