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 study's author, Professor Giovanni Maria Riccio (University of Salerno), calling for a binding EU regulation to replace the current non-binding 2023 Commission recommendation. Riccio argued that live-event piracy is highly professionalised and national enforcement fragmented, urging 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 the issue of VPN provider liability. Maravillas Abadía Jover (EPP) asked about prioritising implementation of existing rules over wider liability. Dainius Žalimas (Renew) asked whether cooperation suffices or EU legislation is needed. Arash Saeidi (The Left) stressed the importance of affordability and legal offer accessibility. Riccio favoured a binding EU regulation, arguing that the current fragmented enforcement is insufficient.
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.
The debate highlighted a cleavage between those favouring stronger EU regulatory powers (binding regulation, notice-and-takedown) and those prioritising national enforcement or voluntary cooperation. A binding regulation would impose compliance costs on platforms and broadcasters but could reduce piracy, benefiting rights-holders and legal broadcasters. Consumers might face higher subscription costs if legal offers remain unaffordable, but improved enforcement could protect access to live events. National authorities would face harmonised rules, reducing fragmentation but limiting flexibility. The JURI committee's next steps will determine whether the study leads to a legislative proposal or remains a reference document.