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EU Faces Ticket Scalping Crisis: Industry Calls for Action
13 Jan
Summary
- Industry figures urge EU to update Digital Fairness Act against scalping.
- Unauthorized ticket resale platforms generate an estimated €2.5 billion annually.
- Major European artists, festivals, and venues back the call for action.
A broad coalition of over 130 figures from the European live events industry has penned an open letter to EU Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath. They are urgently requesting action against rampant unauthorized ticket resale, which they contend is harming fans and the wider live event sector. The industry is specifically pushing for an expansion of the Digital Fairness Act's scope to directly confront large-scale ticket scalping operations.
This significant industry-wide appeal garners support from managers representing global superstars like Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles, alongside influential European bands and festivals such as Rammstein and Sziget Festival. Prominent venues, including the Czech National Theatre, and organizations like YOUROPE are also backing the call, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue across the continent.
Estimates suggest that unauthorized ticket resale platforms illicitly generate approximately €2.5 billion annually. These platforms often sell tickets at exorbitant prices, frequently resulting in consumers receiving fake, duplicated, or invalid tickets. Industry representatives emphasize that current enforcement measures are inadequate and that the Digital Fairness Act presents a crucial opportunity to implement effective solutions against exploitative ticketing practices.
