PRESS RELEASE 

–Brussels, 11 February 2021–

EU Member States agreed on a common approach to the ePrivacy Regulation proposal which seeks to ensure privacy and confidentiality in electronic communications.

The Regulation seeks to modernise the current Directive in place since 2002, including rules on cookies and similar trackers which complement and particularise the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Wout van Wijk, Executive Director of News Media Europe, commented: “European news publishers need to protect the integrity and value of their content as well as advertising. Our industry is conscious of privacy concerns and keen to explore workable solutions that do not compromise on European values”.

The proposal will now undergo further negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission, who published the proposal in 2017.

Wout van Wijk continued: “Publishers nurture a unique relationship of trust with their audiences and the public at large. That trust depends on our ability to finance high quality content and journalism for different audiences. Advertising revenues continue to make an important difference in making available trusted and diverse press content to European citizens.”

About News Media Europe:

News Media Europe (NME) represents the progressive news media industry in Europe – over 2,500 European news brands in print or online, and also on radio and tv. NME is committed to maintaining and promoting the freedom of the press, to upholding and enhancing the freedom to publish, and to championing the news brands which are one of the most vital parts of Europe’s creative industries. 

For further information please contact:

Wout van Wijk, Executive Director, wout.vanwijk@newsmediaeurope.eu