2026 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award: Axel Voss, MEP

The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) honored Mr. Axel Voss, MEP this week as the 2026 recipient of the ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Global Music Publishing Industry.

Presented every two years and voted on by ICMP’s global membership, the award celebrates individuals whose work has profoundly advanced the rights of music publishers, songwriters, and composers worldwide.

Ralph Peer II was on hand to help present the award, praising Voss’ long-standing leadership:

“For decades Axel Voss has taken measured steps to ensure music creators and copyright owners can control the use of their works… boosting the ability for millions of songwriters and companies to build their business.”

As the lead negotiator of the 2019 EU Copyright Directive (including the groundbreaking Article 17) and a key architect of the EU’s AI legislation, Voss has been a tireless champion for creators’ rights — helping strengthen transparency, licensing fairness, and protections in the digital era.

Accepting the honor, Mr. Voss shared:

“To be recognized in this way is truly humbling… This award is not just a recognition of what we have accomplished to protect copyright also in a digital world, but also a reminder of the journey ahead.”

Congratulations to Axel Voss on this well-deserved recognition.

Pictured (left to right): Ralph Peer II (ICMP Board Director / peermusic Executive Chair / NMPA Board Chair), Axel Voss (Member of the EU Parliament / International Copyright Champion), Jackie Alway (OBE / ICMP Chair / Music Publishers Association (MPA UK) / Universal Music Publishing, EVP Int. Legal & Industry Affairs), John Phelan (ICMP Director General)