25 years Ukrainian authors and performers could not earn decently in their own country. Today everything could change

25 years Ukrainian authors and performers could not earn decently in their own country. Today everything could change

Today, 17 December is a decisive event for Ukrainian authors: the accreditation commission must, as a result of the competition, appoint only one organization in Ukraine

This institution will, for the first time, begin collecting royalties for Ukrainian and foreign authors.

At present, only one organization is participating in the competition — an organization created by and accountable to Ukrainian authors, and at the same time recognized by all relevant global organizations.

I believe that the relevant government officials — Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Ministers of Culture and Information Policy Oleksandr Tkachenko and of Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko — must ensure the transparency of the competition and protect the lawful interests of Ukrainian authors from shadow schemes in this area, which over the past 25 years have prevented Ukrainian authors and performers from earning decently in their own country.

I am an author myself and I understand the importance of transparent and fair royalty accounting for my creative work.