This study represents the first major effort to identify the size,
scope, and competitiveness of publishing industries within the European
Union.The research was commissioned by the Directorate-General for
Industry, under supervision of the unit looking after the Forest-based
and Related Industries, of the European Commission in an effort to
identify the contemporary situation of newspaper, magazine, book, and
directory publishers and the issues that are confronting these
industries. This report explores factors affecting competitiveness in
the publishing industries of European Union countries and candidate
nations. It identifies factors advantaging and disadvantaging European
publishing firms and suggests strategies andpolicies to help improve
their competitive abilities.
This study was made possible by the assistance and support rendered by
European publishing federations and nationalassociations. The European
Association of Directory Publishers, the European Magazine Publishers'
Association, the European Newspaper Publishers' Association, the
European Publishers' Council and the Federation of European Publishers
supported the study from its inception and made extraordinary
contributions.
Additional materials, introductions, and other assistance was provided
by the International Federation of the Periodical Press, the World
Association of Newspapers, and national associations representing
publishers in every nation of the European Union. Publishers across
Europe contributed time and expertise that improved the researchers'
understanding of issues confronting the industries