News
VAPIK Marks a Historic Milestone: First Bank Transfer to Holders of Audiovisual Copyrights
Pristina, 05.08.2025
On August 5, 2025, in Pristina, VAPIK successfully completed its first bank transfer to holders of copyright in the audiovisual field, a long-awaited step that marks the beginning of a new era for creators of art and culture in the country.
This historic moment was celebrated in a solemn and heartfelt ceremony that brought together key figures from the artistic and institutional community: authors, performers, producers, representatives of cable operators and television stations, as well as officials from relevant institutions. In attendance were the Acting Minister of Culture, Mr. Hajrullah Çeku, former Minister of Culture Ms. Vlora Dumoshi, and former Minister Mr. Memli Krasniqi, all of whom played vital roles in supporting this right.
The ceremony was opened by Mr. Lirak Çelaj, who outlined the process that led to the agreement between VAPIK and the cable operators in July 2024, a decisive turning point in this effort.
Mr. Blerim Gjoci also addressed the audience, emphasizing the significance of this step not only as a legal act but also as a moral one that restores dignity and appreciation for the tireless work of audiovisual creators. “This is a moment that reminds us that art is not only a passion, but also a profession that deserves fair compensation,” he stated.
VAPIK expressed special gratitude to each of the contributors, thanking them for their continuous commitment to the protection and advancement of copyright. The highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic handover of the first bank transfer confirmation by Mr. Hajrullah Çeku to Mr. Naser Rafuna, a renowned producer, author, and actor, signifying the concrete beginning of compensation for audiovisual creativity.
This act marks not only an institutional achievement for VAPIK but also a victory for the entire creative community, setting an important precedent for the future of copyright in Kosovo.
Signing the agreement on the implementation of retransmission fees
Pristina, 15.07.2024
In the premises of the Ministry of Culture, today, July 15, 2024, VAPIK and copyright users, cable operators IPKO Telecommunications, Artmotion, Kujtesa Net, Telkos, ISP Broadcast and Optimum Telecommunications, have signed an agreement on the implementation of the payment of fees of the retransmission as regulated by the decision dated 19.10.2020, entering in force from April 1, 2021 until 31.12.2024, and based on the Law on Copyright and Related Rights.
The agreement was signed by Lirak Çelaj, managing director and the representatives of the aforementioned operators. The agreement was signed in the presence of MCYS and IMK representatives who were engaged in mediation between VAPIK and cable operators in order to implement the Copyright Law, who also received guarantees that the Law and the Agreement will be fully implemented by both the parties.
This agreement marks an important step in the collective management of Audiovisual Copyright, which ensures the payment of accumulated fees from 2021, the determination of discounted fees for the years 2025-2028, the withdrawal of lawsuits from VAPIK and cable operators, the determination of new tari s for 2029 by agreement according to the law in force, and the fight against piracy and informality in the market by all signatories
