The European Parliament has today approved the final deal linked to the implementation of the Marrakesh treaty. This will make exceptions to some copyright rules for books, enabling them to be published in accessible format for people who are blind or visually impaired.

This move will also enable blind organisations and libraries in the EU to transfer these books across borders without any cost, helping to increase their availability in less developed countries. At present, just 5% of books in the EU and 1% worldwide are made in an accessible format.

Member States now have 12 months to implement this into law, with the deal hopefully becoming a reality in Autumn 2018. [1]

Jean Lambert, London’s Green MEP, says:

“I’m delighted that cross-party MEPs today voted overwhelmingly in favour of implementing the Marrakesh treaty. This decision will improve lives – giving millions of blind and visually impaired people worldwide the opportunity to enjoy books, whether though large print or braille, or the use of audio tools.

This treaty is a perfect example of the EU working well to make far-reaching, positive changes that cross borders – both within Europe, and in less developed countries. I now call on Member States to implement the act quickly, to allow these books to reach the people that need them without delay.”

Notes:

[1] https://www.greens-efa.eu/en/article/press/more-accessible-books-available-for-blind-and-visually-impaired-people/

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Jean Lambert writes, in a guest commentary piece,  that The Department for International Development (DFID) plays “an integral role” and that “its importance shouldn’t be understated: it is a positive part of our national image abroad.”

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Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London and Chair of the European Parliament South Asia Delegation, said: “I welcome the news that the European Union is boosting its aid package to help those vulnerable communities who were left with so little after the devastating floods this summer.  Bangladesh may now have slipped out of the headlines but the problems the country is facing as a result of this crisis have not gone away.

“I have been encouraged by the work of the Bangladeshi Government and international aid organisations in helping to alleviate the suffering of the millions of people affected by this tragedy, and I know that the new EU aid package will further assist the large-scale reconstruction process.  This money is essential in helping to meet the basic humanitarian needs of those who lost their homes and livelihoods, as well as providing them with the tools they need to support themselves.

“Just a few months ago, this extraordinary disaster drew the world’s attention to the particular threats South Asia is facing in view of extreme weather conditions linked to climate change.  It is important that this attention does not wane, and we must now focus on adaptation measures and disaster preparedness to help achieve long-term stability for the people of Bangladesh.”

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