IFLA and EBLIDA Statement on ACTA and the Importance of Multilateral Multi-stakeholder IP Policy Formation

IFLA and EBLIDA represent the interests of the global and European library communities. Ahead of the European Parliament vote on the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), IFLA and EBLIDA reiterate their concerns about the agreement’s development outside existing IP norm-setting frameworks. While supporting efforts to combat commercial counterfeiting, they warn that ACTA undermines the balance in copyright law and fails to protect equitable access to knowledge and cultural expression. The statement highlights the lack of transparency in ACTA’s drafting process and calls for future IP discussions to take place within inclusive, multilateral forums such as WIPO. IFLA and EBLIDA urge Members of the European Parliament to reject ACTA.