LIBER Libraries Call for Action: EC Survey Reviewing the DSM Directive

The European Commission (EC) has launched an official stakeholder questionnaire on the evaluation of the Copyright in the Digital Single Market (DSM) Directive with a deadline of 14 June. This is an opportunity to shape how copyright law evolves across Europe, with direct implications for issues that sit at the very core of what research libraries do every day.

From text and data mining, access to knowledge, and Open Science to teaching and educational exceptions, the Directive affects how our communities access and use knowledge. Yet too many of its promises remain unfulfilled: exceptions lack harmony and differ significantly across member states; secondary publishing rights remain inconsistently implemented across a small number of Member States; technological protection measures (TPMs) continue to block lawful access and uses even where exceptions exist; and contracts that override the legal rights remain a persistent and damaging problem for libraries, researchers, and students alike.

Getting this right matters beyond our libraries: an improved Copyright Directive reduces barriers to research, unlocks innovation, enables cross-sector collaboration, and ensures research delivers real public benefit.

KR21 Answer Guide to the EC Survey

Without strong input from our community, the perspectives of rights holders will dominate. A few minutes of your time can make a real difference to the policy landscape we all operate in. To support libraries in providing their feedback, Knowledge Rights 21 (KR21) has developed a comprehensive Answer Guide. Access the Guide here and complete the questionnaire through the link below.

Deadline: 14 June 2026.

EC Call for Evidence – Targeted Initiative for a Better Copyright Environment for European Creativity and Innovation

The European Commission has also published a Call for Evidence on the expected targeted initiative for a better copyright environment for European creativity and innovation.

The aim is to adjust the EU copyright framework to improve the competitiveness of the EU creative sectors and facilitate innovation. The Commission will consider measures to strengthen the enforcement of copyright, taking into account market and technological developments. This consultation, together with the survey on the Copyright Directive, will be key to assessing how to foster scientific research.

The deadline for the Call for Evidence is 25 June 2026.