When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, European collective management organisations (CMOs) were quick to mobilise speedy distribution of royalties and financial support to screenwriters and directors suffering due to the crisis. A much-needed help for many authors who do not fit the categories to benefit from governments’ emergency support.

Europe’s cultural and creative sectors were among the first and hardest hit by the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. They will also be among the last. 

Living under lockdown, with social distancing, was once unimaginable but is now the new normal for most of us. Cinema, theatres and film production were among the first cultural activities to shut down, and they will be the last in line to be up and running again. However, the cultural sector continues to show resilience to mobilise, adapt and outlive the COVID-19 crisis.

The film and audiovisual sector in Europe calls for urgent action by EU and Member State decision-makers to safeguard the future of the sector in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, following in the footsteps of initial emergency measures announced at national level, including by film funds and other bodies.

The SAA signed an open letter to the EU and Member States demanding support for the cultural and creative sectors during the COVID-19 crisis, initiated by Niklas Nienaß and Salima Yenbou, Members of the European Parliament. 

Exactly one year ago the European Parliament adopted the Copyright Directive in the Digital Single Market. However, the first anniversary of this essential text for authors, strengthening their rights and remuneration, takes place in the context of the health crisis linked to COVID-19 and its dramatic effect on our everyday lives as well as the devastating effect on our cultural sector. 

The last month we have seen the COVID-19 sweep through Europe like a whirlwind, leaving everyone affected and deeply worried. The impact is immediate and the long-term consequences yet to be seen. As public life is being increasingly restricted to ‘flatten the curve’, bars, restaurants, concert venues, theatres, cinemas and museums are being closed. While these measures save lives, they are very much impacting those working in the cultural and creative sectors.

Dear Members of the European Parliament, Culture unites Europeans and celebrates our common identity and diversity. Authors and performers’ creativity and work contribute to the wealth and pride of European culture.

We are writing as a group of 93 organisations from across Europe’s cultural and creative sectors ahead of the European Council discussions on the future EU budget.

On 4-5 November, representatives from the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) met in Lisbon to discuss how to advance gender equality within collective management organisations (CMOs) and increase women creators among members and on the boards. The SAA was among them.

In 2020, filmmakers in Switzerland will have an unwaivable and mandatory right to remuneration for the exploitation of their works by on-demand services, collectively managed.

Brussels European quarters are back to business: traffic jams, overpopulated coffee places and queues to pass security into the institutions. Inside the European Parliament, the last carpets are being laid and furniture assembled in the 751 offices.