New EU study says 1.2 million jobs at risk in Europe due to piracy

17th March 2010

Trade unions from the creative sectors across Europe have endorsed a new independent study which projects substantial job losses in Europe due to digital piracy. The study was released with the support of major trade unions, including UNI-MEI and FIA, and endorsed by Members of the European Parliament from all major political parties.

Key findings of the study are:

• Europe’s creative industries employ over 14 million people and contribute over €860 billion to Europe’s GDP
• The cost of not tackling piracy is projected to be more than 1.2 million in lost jobs and over €240 billion in lost retail revenue by 2015
• In 2008 alone, the main creative industries in Europe lost more than 185,000 jobs and over €10 billion in revenue due to piracy

The full study and press release can be found on the websites for BASCAP unions including UNI MEI, FIA and the Musicians Union website.

Commenting on the study, IFPI chairman and chief executive John Kennedy said: “This study is a new and important indicator of the scope and impact of the piracy problem for Europe. Unions recognise that many jobs are at risk, and that we need action now to properly protect the creative industries. The European Union urgently needs to create the legal framework that will properly address infringement of intellectual property, both offline and online. The study, and the union reaction to it, show us how much is at stake for Europe’s future.”

Union Network International-Media Entertainment Industries (UNI-MEI) represents the unions and guilds working in media, entertainment and arts across the world and the European Union.

The International Actors Federation (FIA) represents hundreds of thousands of professional performers in the audiovisual industry around the world, including 25 countries in the European Union.