Artists Protest Against Bolojan Government Ordinance: Chirilă, Rimes, Groza Sign Petition

Over 300 artists, authors, and music industry professionals, including notable figures such as Tudor Chirilă, Irina Rimes, and Loredana Groza, have signed a protest letter against a proposed emergency ordinance that aims to amend copyright law in Romania. The signatories express concerns that this legislation could disrupt the collection and payment of royalties for music played in public spaces.

Artists Protest Against Bolojan Government Ordinance

The protest highlights a draft emergency ordinance affecting the Law on Copyright (Law No. 8/1996). It targets the mechanisms used for collecting royalties in various public venues, including restaurants, bars, hotels, and public transport.

Signatories’ Concerns

Artists such as Dan Bittman and Adrian Despot have raised alarms that the proposed changes threaten to eliminate extended collective management. This system allows royalties to be collected centrally by specialized organizations, facilitating payments even to artists who are not members of these organizations.

• The removal of extended collective management could significantly hinder royalty collection.
• This change would compel artists to deal directly with venues, creating additional burdens.
• It would render payment of royalties optional, making it easier for venues to evade responsibilities.

The musicians argue that current laws already permit individual rights management, thus making the justification based on European directives questionable.

Importance of Extended Collective Management

Currently, venues broadcasting music sign a single contract with a collective management organization. This streamlines the process of royalty distribution to artists. The artists contend that individual licensing is impractical and costly given the vast amount of music played daily.

Potential Consequences of Changes

Without extended collective management, artists may find themselves forced to hunt for their own music rights across various venues. The letter underscores that “artists should not become hunters for their own usage rights.”

Demands from Artists

The signatories call for the preservation and regulation of extended collective management for public music use. They argue that any new collection body should be designated from existing entities and that the law must protect the rights of copyright holders rather than create frameworks to limit their rights.

Ministry of Culture’s Response

The Minister of Culture, Andras Demeter, stated that the goal of the proposed law modifications is to offer more freedom to rights holders. He emphasized that authors can manage their works through various methods, whether directly or via collective management organizations.

The ongoing debate surrounding this ordinance underscores the complex nature of copyright laws and their impact on creators in Romania. The artists’ collective efforts signify a strong stance against changes they feel could undermine their rights and livelihoods.