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The European Parliament has passed a bill on Tuesday (4 February) making it easier for online music streaming sites to provide services in several European countries, with the aim of boosting entrepreneurship in online music services. The proposal aims to streamline national copyright systems and boost cross-border services allowing users to access music in different EU countries. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis directive is a clear signal that copyright can be easily adapted to the Internet,\u201d said Marielle Gallo, French centre-right MEP (EPP) and rapporteur for the proposal. \u201cCopyright has an essential role to play in the digital economy,\u201d she said in a statement.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cMost of all, artist and creators benefit from these new rules as they will be paid more rapidly for their work. The directive will also have a positive effect on the digital single market. We offer to companies providing online services, like Spotify, to introduce new services in the whole of Europe,\u201d Gallo added<\/a>.<\/p>\n The proposal for a directive passed<\/a> at the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg with a resounding majority of 640 votes, while 18 MEPs voted against and 22 abstained \u2013 all from the far-right EFD group, the far-left GUE\/NGL group and the non-aligned MEPs.<\/p>\n National ministers are expected to endorse the directive in a forthcoming session of the EU\u2019s competitiveness Council. The next session is planned on 20-21 February.<\/p>\n The directive is set to encourage start-ups in the digital music industry. Many of these offer new services focusing on distribution and enabling users to access music more easily.<\/p>\n