The Day That Nothing Happened

Today was the last chance for the Czech Presidency to give performers a fair copyright term.

Everything was in place. The Commission had drafted the Term of Protection Directive. The Parliament had made some amendments and approved it. The Parliament even took on board the amendments from the Council of the EU. Within the Council, the majority of the 27 ministers from EU states (which form the Council) had shown their support. All that was left was for the Czech Presidency to put copyright term on the COREPER agenda today.

They didn’t.

And their Presidency ends this month. They have missed their opportunity to get a key piece of legislation through the European process. During their six months as President, their role is to conduct the legislative procedure by calling Council meetings and organising its business. Arguably, they have fallen short in this role by refusing to allow a debate and vote on the Term of Protection Directive after it was adopted by the Parliament in April.

From 1 July, Sweden takes on the EU Presidency for a six month term. Will they similarly delay the legislative process?