The digital publishing ecosystem in Europe is undergoing a major regulatory transformation. As of 2024, several EU member states have begun implementing updated legal frameworks aimed at balancing technological innovation with the protection of the rights of authors, publishers, and readers. This new regulation directly affects how digital books are produced, distributed, and marketed across the European market.
One of the most notable changes is the harmonization of VAT rates for ebooks and printed books. This removes a long-standing disparity and offers a more level playing field for the growth of the digital format. Regulations also strengthen accessibility standards, requiring digital books to be fully usable by people with visual or cognitive disabilities. This goes beyond legal compliance—it’s a commercial opportunity to reach millions of underserved readers.
Another key element is the push for transparency in licensing and distribution models. Platforms offering subscriptions, digital lending, or streaming access to books must now clearly inform users of their terms, while ensuring fair compensation for authors and publishers. This responds to growing demands for clarity in a market with increasingly complex consumption models.
New limits are also being introduced regarding the handling of personal data on digital reading platforms. User data related to reading habits will be subject to stricter privacy standards, requiring technical and contractual adjustments across many publishing and tech providers.
For the publishing sector, this new regulation poses a challenge—but also an opportunity to innovate. Those who adopt flexible, transparent, and accessible digital models will be better positioned to thrive in a rapidly evolving market. In this context, having the right tools to manage compliance and digital catalogs efficiently becomes essential.
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