European Publishers meet with EC, Endorse Single Market for E-Books

June 28, 2012

26 June 2012. When it comes to diplomacy and currency, the EC is borderless; when it comes to e-books — not so much.

Could that change? Surprisingly, it might be the European Commission that makes it happen:

“Representatives of the EU’s ebook value chain met in Brussels today for high-level discussions on creating a digital single market for ebooks. Participants included Vice President Neelie Kroes, and representatives from major publishing and distribution companies and platform providers.

“Participants stressed the need to urgently address different approaches to VAT on paper and ebooks. They confirmed that availability of ebooks and portability across platforms and devices were key challenges to address in developing this EU-wide market. They signed a declaration endorsing the principle that there should be no barriers for consumers to acquire ebooks across territorial borders, platforms and devices. No participants objected to the declaration which remains open for signature.

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