The European Parliament's legal affairs committee (JURI) on 22 June 2026 debated a study on countering online piracy of sports and broadcast content, with the author urging a binding EU regulation to replace the current non-binding 2023 Commission recommendation. Professor Giovanni Maria Riccio (University of Salerno) argued that live-event piracy is highly professionalised and national enforcement fragmented, calling for a specific notice-and-takedown system alongside dynamic injunctions, while cautioning against over-reliance on liability.
MEPs diverged on the need for new legislation. Axel Voss (EPP) questioned whether no new legislation is needed and raised VPN provider liability. Maravillas Abadía Jover (EPP) asked about prioritising implementation or wider liability. Dainius Žalimas (Renew) asked whether cooperation suffices or EU legislation is needed. Arash Saeidi (The Left) stressed affordability and legal offer accessibility. Riccio favoured a binding EU regulation, noting that the 2023 recommendation has not resolved fragmentation.
Consensus emerged on the seriousness of piracy, fragmentation, and the need for both enforcement and legal offer improvements. The committee also debated a technical alignment of Regulation (EU) 2019/1753 following WIPO rule changes, presented by Žalimas as non-controversial and needed before 1 July 2026. Marion Walsmann (EPP) and Luca Cianfoni (DG AGRI) supported rapid adoption. Amendments deadline was 23 June at 05:00, tabled only in English.
A binding EU regulation would impose compliance costs on online platforms and VPN providers, but could reduce piracy losses for sports leagues and broadcasters. Consumers might benefit from improved legal offers, but could face higher subscription costs if enforcement reduces free access. National authorities would gain clearer enforcement tools, but may lose flexibility. The debate reflects a cleavage between enforcement-focused regulation and market-based solutions emphasising affordability and legal access.