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International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers

STM

STM is a global trade association representing academic and professional publishers in science, technology, and medicine.

Lobbying Activity

Publishers urge recognition as science diplomacy actors bridging global research

3 Nov 2025
Topic — EU framework for coordinating European science diplomacy efforts in changing geopolitical environment.
Message — The organization requests academic publishers be formally recognized as science diplomacy actors. They argue publishers enable global scientific collaboration by providing trusted platforms for knowledge exchange across borders, even during political conflicts.12
Why — This would elevate their institutional role and influence in shaping science diplomacy frameworks.34
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Scientific Publishers Warn Against Weakening Digital Rules Under Simplification Push

14 Oct 2025
Topic — EU proposal to simplify digital regulations including data governance, AI and cybersecurity rules.
Message — The association requests that simplification focus on making compliance easier rather than weakening rules or undermining enforcement. They argue recently enacted digital regulations should not be revisited before implementation is complete, and stress that policy predictability is essential for investment and innovation.123
Why — This would preserve regulatory stability and give them more time to adapt to new requirements.45
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Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament) and European Regions Research and Innovation Network

2 Oct 2025 · FP10

Response to European Research Area (ERA) Act

10 Sept 2025

STM has closely followed the development of the European Research Area (ERA) since its inception and now actively participates in the ERA Forum. We welcome the opportunity to provide comments on the forthcoming ERA Act while highlighting the contribution of academic publishers to achieving its objectives. The European scholarly publishing industry is a powerhouse: its fully digital, competitive, diverse and independent, and a world-leading sector. In 2023, there were 2.15 million researchers in the EU and EU-authored articles, reviews and conference papers represented 17% of global output - coming second only to China. More than 6821 journals originated in the EU in 2023, accounting for just over 25% of journals globally. Our academic publisher members are key enablers of the ERA and direct contributors to its fundamental valuesupholding research integrity, fostering transparency, and safeguarding freedom of scientific research. They contribute to the free circulation and sharing of scholarly knowledge by investing in infrastructure to disseminate, curate and preserve the research corpus, making sure that researchers have several routes to publishing and can disseminate their findings confidently. Ensuring the trustworthiness of the research they publish is central to the publishers mission. To that end, publishers continuously innovate and invest in editorial systems and processes. These include the research integrity checks and peer review management that are key to creating and maintaining the authoritative Version of Record (VoR) ensuring scholarly works are reliable, citable, and up to date. The ERA Acts ambition to strengthen the free circulation of knowledge must include the goal to ensure that the knowledge circulated is accurate, validated, and contextualised. In an era of information abundance and rising concerns over misinformation and disinformation, including AI-generated, the value lies not in the sheer volume of available material, but in the ability to transform information into findable, curated, reproducible knowledge that can be trusted. Such trust is essential for fostering innovation, attracting investment, sustaining and increasing the EUs competitiveness. Copyright is a cornerstone of this process. It provides the legal framework and the incentive mechanism to invest in the structuring, annotation, and enrichment of content including for machine and AI use. Copyright also underpins provenance, attribution, and citation, which are central to research integrity and increasingly critical in the AI era to maintain context and the ability to track assertions generated by AI back to the original source. By incentivising quality and providing a chain of evidence, copyright facilitates the responsible reuse of knowledge and the development of trustworthy AI models and systems. We therefore do not support the premise that copyright is an obstacle to the free circulation of knowledge, nor the consideration to include copyright-related provisions (e.g., Secondary Publication Right) under the ERA Act. Copyright is the cornerstone of the knowledge society as it protects rightsholders, incentivises high-quality research, and ensures the integrity and sustainability of the dissemination of knowledge. It is within this framework that the EU has achieved Open Access rates far higher than other regions in the world, mainly through transformative agreements that reduce burdens on authors and readers. Much can be achieved without any legal intervention, rather favouring constructive arrangements between parties. Any changes to copyright rules should be considered within the dedicated copyright framework, following proper evaluation of currently applicable provisions. STM and its members are a natural stakeholder and ally in shaping an open and competitive ERA that can drive innovation and show global scientific leadership. We stand ready to work with the EU Commission to ensure that the ERA realises this ambition.
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Scientific publishers urge EU to respect current copyright frameworks

18 Jul 2025
Topic — A consultation on streamlining EU data rules to improve sharing and availability.
Message — The organization calls for reinforcing existing copyright frameworks rather than introducing new regulations. They want stronger enforcement against AI developers who use illegal content for training. Additionally, they advocate for voluntary data sharing and transparency throughout the AI model life cycle.123
Why — Maintaining current frameworks protects their revenue from licensing and prevents market uncertainty.45
Impact — AI developers using unlicensed data may face higher costs and stricter enforcement.67
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STM Urges EU to Protect Copyright in AI Science Strategy

5 Jun 2025
Topic — This consultation explores a policy approach to adopting AI technology across European science.
Message — AI systems must adhere to high standards of accuracy, transparency, and attribution. The EU should reinforce copyright frameworks and support existing licensing markets for content. Models must use the final published article version to ensure reliable scientific outputs.123
Why — Stronger IP rules and licensing markets secure the publishing industry's future revenue.4
Impact — Developers of AI models may face higher costs if they cannot access content freely.5
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STM publishers urge EU to maintain strict AI Act protections

4 Jun 2025
Topic — A European Commission consultation focused on boosting industrial AI adoption and competitiveness.
Message — The association demands that the strategy upholds AI Act safeguards rather than simplifying them. They also call for mandatory transparency from AI providers and environmental impact planning.123
Why — Mandatory transparency protects publishers by ensuring their data usage is properly documented.4
Impact — AI developers may face higher operational burdens due to stricter transparency requirements.5
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Meeting with Silvia Bartolini (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen)

21 May 2025 · Semiconductors

Meeting with Liviu Stirbat (Head of Unit Research and Innovation)

20 May 2025 · Exchange views on AI in science

Meeting with Werner Stengg (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen)

14 Feb 2025 · IPR, copyright and artificiel intelligence

Meeting with Michael Arentoft (Head of Unit Research and Innovation)

5 Feb 2025 · Economic analysis of possible ERA action 2 measures (an EU copyright and data legislative and regulatory framework fit for research)

Meeting with Emmanuelle Du Chalard (Head of Unit Communications Networks, Content and Technology), Emmanuelle Du Chalard (Head of Unit Communications Networks, Content and Technology)

4 Feb 2025 · Exchange of views on copyright and research

Meeting with Laura Ballarín Cereza (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Jan 2025 · Innovation, STOA

Meeting with Borys Budka (Member of the European Parliament, Committee chair)

18 Dec 2024 · AI and European Research Area

Response to Communication on the European Research Area Implementation

30 Sept 2024

STM welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback to the consultation on ERA 4 years on: achievement, lessons learnt and the way forward. As the leading association representing scholarly publishers, STM advances trusted research for the benefit of society. We do this by fostering collaboration and innovation among our members and the wider scholarly community. STM has more than 140 members across the globe including all the major commercial publishers, learned societies and university presses. STMs members are responsible for around two thirds of all published papers from the worlds of science, technology, medicine, social sciences, and humanities. We have followed the ERA from its inception back in 2000 and are now an active stakeholder in the ERA Forum, where we have participated and are participating in discussions about the 2022-24 and the 2025-27 agendas. Building on our experience, STM respectfully shares the below observations: - STM recognises and welcomes the spirit of co-creation that was at the foundation of the establishment of the Forum but found that during its implementation this has added a layer of complication possibly causing lack of transparency and strain (including on resources) on stakeholders that want to get engaged. - We welcome the recent change of the rules for participation of EU R&I stakeholders in the ERA Forum meetings, which testifies that the EU Commission and other stakeholders encountered the same issues in the first years of activity of the Forum. This is the right step towards a more participatory involvement for stakeholders. In addition, the creation of an ERA Platform offers more transparency of the ongoing development of ERA for a broader audience. - With respect to the proposed Agendas, improvements can be made on clarifying on when initiatives classify as ERA actions to avoid the inclusion in this context of actions that address structural changes or are within the responsibility of or require coordination with other EU Commission services or agencies. The ERA agenda should rather leave legislative initiatives to the official legislative process, especially since one of the co-legislators is not involved in the ERA Forum. STM is looking forward to continuing to contribute to the ongoing discussions.
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Meeting with Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament)

31 May 2024 · Science policy

Scientific Publishers Seek Clearer Data Act Protections for Databases

13 May 2022
Topic — EU regulation on fair access to and use of industrial and sensory data.
Message — The association requests that exclusions be written into the Articles instead of Recitals to ensure legal certainty. They want speech and text recognition services added to the list of excluded products. They also request consistent language between Article 35 and Recital 84 regarding database protection rights.123
Why — This would protect their database investments from forced data sharing requirements.45
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Scientific Publishers Warn Against State-Run Academic Publishing Platforms

25 Mar 2022
Topic — EU regulation establishing framework for media freedom and pluralism protections.
Message — The organization urges policymakers to avoid prescriptive policies favoring state-run publishing platforms. They advocate for preserving editorial independence and maintaining a competitive market where commercial and non-commercial publishers collaborate freely.12
Why — This would protect their market position against government-funded competitors and preserve current business models.34
Impact — Advocates for open access lose potential publicly-funded alternatives to commercial publishers.5
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STM Publishers Seek Narrower AI Definitions and Intellectual Property Protection

30 Jul 2021
Topic — EU consultation on a proposed regulation to ensure ethical and trustworthy artificial intelligence development.
Message — The association argues that the proposed definitions for AI and high-risk systems are currently too broad. They request that new regulations do not override existing intellectual property rights or sector-specific rules. The group also advocates for prioritizing industry-led standards and providing funding for community-developed initiatives.123
Why — This would preserve their control over data assets and minimize new compliance costs.45
Impact — European researchers face stifled innovation if new rules are overly rigid or redundant.67
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Scientific Publishers Oppose Changes to EU Database Protection Rules

25 Jun 2021
Topic — EU Data Act proposal to amend legal protection of databases and data access rules.
Message — STM asks the Commission to retain current Database Directive provisions, particularly the sui generis right. They argue it enables rather than obstructs data sharing and that additional exceptions or compulsory licensing are unnecessary.123
Why — This would protect their ability to monetize curated databases and maintain existing licensing revenue streams.456
Impact — Researchers and commercial users lose easier access to scientific databases for analysis and innovation.7
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Scientific Publishers Urge Platform Standards to Combat Research Disinformation

28 Apr 2021
Topic — Guidance on strengthening the Code of Practice on Disinformation for online platforms.
Message — The association requests platforms work with publishers to promote peer-reviewed research and develop standards to distinguish authoritative sources. They propose labelling solutions and ranking adjustments to highlight validated information over unverified content.12
Why — This would elevate their published content over competing unverified sources and preprints.34
Impact — Open access preprint platforms and independent researchers lose visibility and reach.5
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STM Publishers Seek Stricter Platform Liability Rules in Digital Services Act

31 Mar 2021
Topic — EU regulation on responsibilities of online platforms and digital service providers.
Message — STM requests liability exemptions only apply when platforms take transparent action against illegal content. They want permanent takedown of illegal content and broader notification requirements for criminal offenses beyond threats to persons.123
Why — This would protect their members from repeated copyright infringement and piracy on platforms.456
Impact — Small platforms lose their exemption from complaint-handling and verification obligations.789
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STM Publishers Call for Stronger Rights Protection in EU Data Governance

1 Feb 2021
Topic — EU regulation on data sharing, data altruism and public sector data reuse.
Message — The association requests explicit inclusion of database rights protection and mandatory security safeguards for data access. They want rightsholders consulted before data exchange and informed consent required for data altruism.123
Why — This would preserve their copyright protections and control over research databases they publish.45
Impact — Researchers lose easier access to publicly-held data for scientific studies and analysis.6
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STM Publishers urge EU to avoid premature AI legislation

9 Sept 2020
Topic — This consultation seeks views on creating a legal framework for trustworthy AI.
Message — STM recommends building on existing laws instead of introducing premature new legislation. They also request funding for content owners to provide high-quality training data.123
Why — This strategy reduces compliance costs while securing financial support for their datasets.45
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STM publishers urge EU to prioritize verified scientific research sources

27 Aug 2020
Topic — The European Commission is seeking input on policy measures to combat disinformation.
Message — STM requests that the EU and tech platforms help users identify peer-reviewed research. They propose using labels and search rankings to prioritize the "version of record" over unverified sources.123
Why — Formalizing the "version of record" reinforces the commercial dominance and necessity of traditional publishers.4
Impact — Open-access repositories face marginalization if their unverified content is systematically labeled as potentially untrustworthy.5
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STM Publishers Call for Well-Financed Framework for Digital Education

26 Aug 2020
Topic — The European Commission seeks a vision for a digital and inclusive European Education Area.
Message — STM requests a sustainable, well-financed framework to allow publishers to invest in high-quality educational content. They emphasize the importance of flexible licensing models and secure digital authentication for university students and teachers.12
Why — This would secure their revenue streams and ensure institutional funding for their digital licensing services.34
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STM Publishers Urge EU to Maintain Strong IP Protection

6 Aug 2020
Topic — A consultation on upgrading the EU intellectual property system for digital transition.
Message — The association warns against weakening IP laws due to temporary crises. They request stricter enforcement against digital piracy and enhanced platform responsibilities. They also advocate for better rights-management infrastructure.12
Why — Stronger IP protections safeguard the commercial viability of publishers' digital content and databases.3
Impact — Piratical websites and cybercriminals face increased legal risks through improved cross-border injunctions.4
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STM Publishers call for sustainable funding in European Research Area

27 Jul 2020
Topic — The European Commission seeks to modernize the European Research Area for future challenges.
Message — The organization requests a sustainable and well-financed framework to support industry investment. They emphasize that publishers are essential for verifying and transforming research into high-quality output.12
Why — This would secure the necessary capital to maintain and expand their commercial licensing models.3
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STM Publishers Urge Sector-Specific Data Standards Over Regulation

27 Jul 2020
Topic — The EU is developing a legislative framework for the governance of common data spaces.
Message — STM recommends that European initiatives remain sector-specific and support community-endorsed standards. They favor public funding and incentives over prescriptive regulation to encourage market innovation. The association also stresses that existing legal protections like the Database Directive must be preserved.123
Why — Public funding and maintaining database rights would reduce costs and protect their information assets.45
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Meeting with Lucrezia Busa (Cabinet of Commissioner Didier Reynders)

6 Jul 2020 · GDPR

STM Publishers Urge DSA to Tackle Online Pirate Networks

30 Jun 2020
Topic — New EU rules aim to harmonize responsibilities for online platforms and digital services.
Message — STM recommends the Digital Services Act maintains existing liability regimes for legal certainty. They request amendments to allow the identification of an online service’s pirate customers.12
Why — These changes would protect scientific copyrights and prevent the distribution of falsified information.34
Impact — Criminal operators would lose the anonymity used to exploit copyright infringing content for gain.56
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Meeting with Mariya Gabriel (Commissioner)

21 Apr 2020 · Impact of COVID-19 on publishers

Meeting with Dara Murphy (Cabinet of Commissioner Mariya Gabriel)

20 Feb 2020 · on the challenges scientific, technical and medical publishers may face from more open access to science

Meeting with Jean-Eric Paquet (Director-General Research and Innovation)

12 Jun 2018 · Open science

Meeting with Mariya Gabriel (Commissioner)

21 Feb 2018 · Copyright, Open access to data, VAT

Meeting with Carlos Moedas (Commissioner) and

18 Oct 2016 · Open Access

Meeting with Friedrich Wenzel Bulst (Cabinet of Commissioner Margrethe Vestager)

27 Jul 2016 · Digital Single Market – Copyright reform

Meeting with Anna Herold (Digital Economy)

19 Jul 2016 · copyright

Meeting with Marika Lautso-Mousnier (Cabinet of Vice-President Jyrki Katainen)

11 May 2016 · Remote access of library collections, illustration for teaching and research

Meeting with Nele Eichhorn (Cabinet of Vice-President Cecilia Malmström)

10 May 2016 · Copyright in the context of the Digital Single Market

Meeting with Günther Oettinger (Commissioner) and European Magazine Media Association and

9 Mar 2016 · copyright

Meeting with Andrus Ansip (Vice-President) and

8 Feb 2016 · Copyright, text and data mining

Meeting with Günther Oettinger (Commissioner)

8 Feb 2016 · Copyright

Meeting with Günther Oettinger (Commissioner)

5 Feb 2016 · digitisation

Meeting with Patricia Reilly (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics), Szabolcs Horvath (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics)

18 Nov 2015 · Copyright reform

Meeting with Anna Herold (Digital Economy)

22 Oct 2015 · copyright

Meeting with Anna Herold (Digital Economy)

20 Oct 2015 · copyright

Meeting with Robert Madelin (Director-General Communications Networks, Content and Technology) and European Publishers Council and RELX

13 Jul 2015 · DSM

Meeting with Carlos Moedas (Commissioner)

27 May 2015 · Meeting with the CEO of the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers , STM on Digital Single Market, DSM communication and copyright reform, Text and Data Mining (TDM)

Meeting with Patricia Reilly (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics)

27 Apr 2015 · Digital Single Market and open access

Meeting with Carlos Moedas (Commissioner)

27 Apr 2015 · Meeting with the CEO of the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM) on Digital Single Market

Meeting with Stig Joergen Gren (Cabinet of Vice-President Andrus Ansip)

10 Feb 2015 · Digital Single Market

Meeting with Adrienn Kiraly (Cabinet of Commissioner Tibor Navracsics)

29 Jan 2015 · Copyright