Belgrade, September 24^th

In a powerful demonstration of unity and dedication, collective management organizations from the region met in Belgrade to advance the protection and remuneration of audiovisual creators. Representatives from Slovenia’s AIPA, Croatia’s DHFA, Serbia’s UFUS AFA, and AZAS from North Macedonia gathered to reinforce their shared commitment to stronger authors’ rights across all platforms.

Common Challenges, Shared Solutions

The meeting at UFUS AFA headquarters focused on several pressing issues facing audiovisual authors today, including:

• Ensuring fair remuneration in accordance with the 2019 EU directive, particularly for broadcasting and retransmission rights.
• Responding to challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the creative sector.
• Adapting copyright mechanisms to new distribution models such as streaming, digital platforms, and cable retransmission.

Participants emphasized that the true value of audiovisual works must be recognized in all mediums – and that compensation should reflect this, especially where such content drives viewership and commercial benefit.

AZAS’s Perspective and Commitment

Representing AZAS, General Secretary Mr. Kiril Gjozev delivered a clear message on the importance of regional alignment and mutual support:

“This kind of cooperation is not a gesture – it is a necessity. Our authors deserve systems that work for them, not against them. The progress seen in the region proves that when institutions act responsibly, creators benefit directly. AZAS is fully committed to ensuring that North Macedonia does not remain an exception but becomes an active contributor to regional standards of protection and remuneration.”
Kiril Gjozev, Secretary General of AZAS

During the discussions, AZAS also called on its regional colleagues to actively support the approval of its long-pending tariff list, emphasizing that its adoption would not only benefit Macedonian authors but strengthen collective management systems across the region. Participants agreed that a fully functioning AZAS contributes to a more coherent and coordinated regional framework – benefiting all stakeholders, including authors, producers, broadcasters, and collective organizations.

A Call for Action in North Macedonia

The achievements of neighboring organizations send a strong signal to policymakers in North Macedonia. AZAS hopes that this regional momentum, accompanied by the strong backing of partner organizations, will finally encourage national decision-makers to unblock the long-delayed approval of its tariff list – a necessary step for securing fair compensation for local creators.

Regional cooperation remains a strategic priority. AZAS will continue to work closely with its counterparts to strengthen legislative frameworks, exchange expertise, and ensure that creators’ rights are respected, enforced, and fairly remunerated across all markets.