I had a read yesterday through the European Commission work programme for 2016, optimistically subtitled “No time for business as usual”.

It seems that creating a connected Digital Single Market in the European Union will generate up to €250 billion of additional growth for the European Single Market (hooray), but sadly even the proposals for achieving this will not materialize until the end of 2016 (boo).

On the plus side (in terms of things which are actually going to happen in 2016), it is confirmed that Directive 2014/61EU will come into effect on 1st January and Directive 2014/26EU on 10th April.
Directive 2014/61EU really just says that promoting the joint use of existing physical network infrastructure is a good thing, because it means that networks can be rolled out at a lower cost. In practical terms it provides that existing network operators must make available space on their network to other providers on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory terms. Operators who feel they are not being fairly treated have the right to go to the Regulator for a remedy.

Directive 2014/26/EU come into force, sets out an improved regime for multi-territorial licensing of rights in musical works for online use in the Single Market. It will allow single market licensing through national associations such as the UK Performing Rights Society.

Also (major result) Regulation 168/2013 on the approval and market surveillance of two or three wheel vehicles and quadricycles will also come into effect.

For further details on how the European legislative programme might affect your technology business, please contact katherine@mirkwoodevansvincent.com