Ratification and transposition of the Marrakesh Treaty

2.2.2015

Question for written answer E-001721-15
to the Council
Rule 130
Pablo Echenique (GUE/NGL)

The Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired or Otherwise Print Disabled was agreed on 28 June 2013. The aim of this legally binding international regulation is to guarantee more than 250 million visually impaired people around the world the right to culture and education. The Treaty lays down copyright exceptions to facilitate the creation of accessible and affordable versions of books and other copyrighted works, and their importation and exportation.

The EU signed the Treaty in April 2014 but, since then, there has been no clear progress on its ratification. In fact, the majority of the Council did not accept that its ratification came within the competences of the EU, which could lead to a delay of many years.

What steps is the Council taking to secure ratification and transposition of the Marrakesh Treaty?

Why has the Council not approved ratification of the Marrakesh Treaty?

What is the Council doing to ensure compliance with the EU’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, with particular reference to the right to culture and education?