At the invitation of our valued partners at AIPA (Slovenia), AZAS took part in a regional meeting of audiovisual (AV) collective management organizations held at the end of January in Ljubljana. This important gathering brought together representatives from Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia and North Macedonia, along with regional copyright experts, legal advisors, and digital technology professionals.

The primary goal of the meeting was to strengthen regional cooperation, exchange knowledge, and explore innovative legal and technological solutions that would enhance the protection and management of rights for AV authors across the region.

Open Dialogue, Shared Challenges, Common Goals

The first day was dedicated to in-depth discussions on the operational and strategic challenges facing AV CMOs, including rights enforcement, licensing practices, cross-border cooperation, and the role of new EU copyright legislation. AZAS emphasized the need for continued communication and knowledge exchange between regional partners, particularly in areas where harmonization could increase legal certainty and author remuneration.

Representatives from all participating countries agreed that greater integration within the region of the former Yugoslavia could significantly improve the representation of authors’ interests and foster more unified lobbying efforts at the European level.

Research and Insights: The AV Sector Under the Microscope

AIPA presented several important research projects that opened further dialogue among participants. Topics included:

• Analysis of private copying levies and their cultural impact;
• Viewer behavior and consumption trends in cinema and television;
• The relevance of AV repertoire in the programming strategies of broadcasters;
• The role of authors’ rights in digital distribution models.

These insights offered valuable guidance for improving licensing structures, reporting obligations, and future negotiations with both public and private users of AV content.

Day Two: Legal Frameworks and Technological Innovation

The second day focused on the legal and administrative frameworks governing authors’ rights in the region. A key theme was the fragmentation of legislation and the challenges this presents for effective collective management. Participants agreed on the need for a coordinated legal advocacy strategy and increased collaboration with national governments to push forward long-overdue reforms.

The meeting also showcased promising digital tools for rights registration, repertoire tracking, and member services – including proposals for a unified electronic system for AV rights documentation, aimed at reducing administrative burdens and increasing transparency for rights holders.

A Unified Regional Voice for Audiovisual Authors

As emphasized by participants throughout the meeting, the region’s AV authors and their CMOs must work more closely together to ensure fair remuneration, sustainable working conditions, and a stronger negotiating position in both national and international markets.

“These types of meetings are more than necessary – they are essential,” said Mr. Kiril Gjozev, Secretary General of AZAS. “We are committed to building a transparent and fair system for audiovisual authors in North Macedonia, and we recognize that regional cooperation is a key component of that process. AZAS is fully prepared to work as a reliable and proactive partner with governmental institutions in shaping a modern and effective copyright environment. Together, we can ensure that our authors receive the recognition and protection they deserve.”

Looking Ahead: From Dialogue to Action

AZAS extends its gratitude to AIPA for hosting this timely and valuable gathering and to all participants for their contributions. The discussions and recommendations emerging from this meeting will serve as the basis for concrete follow-up actions in the months ahead.

Such initiatives are an important reminder that strong regional networks lead to stronger authors’ rights, and that collaboration – not competition – is the path to a fairer and more sustainable future for our creative industries.