Conclusion of the Marrakesh Treaty

Further information:

The Marrakesh Treaty was adopted in June 2013 by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and signed by the European Union in April 2014, following endorsement by the Council. Despite delays on ratification by the EU, the Treaty entered into force in September 2016.

The European Commission initially published a proposal on the ratification in October 2014, but deep institutional disagreements later resulted on a ECJ case on EU competence for ratification of this Treaty. The final Opinion was released in February 2017 arguing for exclusive competence. In September 2016, the Commission had already put forward the necessary legislative proposals to bring EU law in line with the commitments under the Treaty.

The European Parliament's plenary session approved on 6 July 2017 a proposal implementing the Marrakesh Treaty on access to copyright works for the Blind or Print-Disabled. It endorsed the informal agreement reached with the Council of the European Union in May 2017.The Marrakesh Treaty was adopted on 27 June 2013 to facilitate access to published works for people who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled. The proposals would make more books available in formats like Braille and audiobooks adapted for blind and visually impaired people.

The European Parliament was due to vote on giving its consent to the Council of the European Union for the conclusion of the treaty during its January 2018 plenary session.