The European Writers’ Council (EWC) slammed AI companies for building generative models on stolen content. The EWC spoke at a June 4, 2025 workshop hosted by the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs, targeting copyright issues around generative AI.
EWC Commissioner Nina George nailed it. She called out non-European AI firms for using 7.5 million books and 81 million scientific papers from piracy site Library Genesis without permission.
George demanded political action to hold AI companies accountable. She warned against any forced licensing on authors, stressing their work is worth five-figure sums and insisting on the principle of ART: authorization, remuneration, transparency. 
“We are deeply concerned by the exploitation of billions of our labour hours and of protected works by non European AI companies for generative text models, like the illegal usage of 7,5 million books and 81 million scientific papers via the piracy website Library Genesis.”
“We express our deep dismay that these severe violations are not acknowledged by decisionmakers nor politically debated on European level.”
“Without our work, our private financial investment, research and risks, none of the so-called innovative generative models would exist.”
“Therefore, we demand: Hold the exploiters accountable, demand full information about every title used, and make them pay for the unauthorised abuse.”
“Stop playing copyright and innovation off against each other. It is not our rights that are the problem, but the reluctance to pay for the use of our work. Technical development and profit must not be at the expense of authors and artists. Accordingly, the AI Act, its Guidelines and Code of Practice, must be implemented without stop clocks to protect Europe’s intellectual resources.”
“Preserve Europe’s sovereignty and digital independence and remain committed to AI regulation that focus on people negatively affected.”
“Revamp the TDM exception, as it does not cover generative development at all, as Professor Lucchi rightly pointed out, measure the harm done to us, and get remedy ready.”
“Do not impose any mandatory or statutory licensing on us, because to say no to the sell-out of a lifetime work is our foremost position. And a fair warning: any license would exceed five digits. We know what we are worth.”
“We urge you: stand firmly by the principle of ART: authorisation – remuneration – transparency. Thank you, Mr. Chair.”
The JURI Committee is working on its own-initiative report on copyright and generative AI (2025/2058(INI)), expected mid-June 2025. Amendments will be open through mid-September.
Watch the full Committee on Legal Affairs meeting here.
