Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner believes that European newspapers are helping to shape democratic and tolerant societies. In her speech at the general assembly of the European Newspapers Publishers' Association (ENPA), she focused on three themes which – directly or indirectly – form part of her responsibilities at EU level: media literacy, the VAT regime for online cultural goods and copyright. Among other things, Ms Vassiliou underlined that digitisation has increased the need for stronger copyright protection.
 

The European Commissioner responsible for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Androulla Vassiliou gave a speech at the general assembly of the European Newspapers Publishers' Association (ENPA) in which stressed the importance of the newspapers for democracy. The Commissioner stressed that democracy needs well-informed citizens, capable of analysing events, forming their own opinion and engaging actively in an open debate. In June 2010, the European media approved the Madrid Declaration for creating a framework for the new digital era.

Androulla Vassiliou focused her speech on three themes which – directly or indirectly – form part of her responsibilities at EU level: media literacy, the VAT regime for online cultural goods and copyright. With regard to media literacy, Ms Vassiliou insisted that the ability to evaluate information and content in whatever form it appears – should be taught in schools, as well as beyond the formal education system because it is an issue which concerns all age groups. The European Commission has set up an expert group on media literacy, whose conclusions will be published in 2013.

On the other hand, Commissioner Vassiliou is in favour of a level playing-field regarding VAT for online cultural goods. At present, printed newspapers benefit from a reduced or zero rate of VAT, while digital editions are subject to standard rates of up to 25%. She also stressed that digitisation has increased the need for stronger copyright protection.