Pan-European Union iTunes Store on its way?

Mayhaps! A decision handed down by the European Commission has mandated that European licensing organizations change their rules on cross-border music publishing, which the EC is concerned constitutes anti-competitive behavior.

Our favorite European Commissioner for Competition, Neelie Kroes (pictured), has said that the EC’s decision ought to give artists and creators a better deal with their licensing companies. Of course, the licensing companies don’t seem to see it that way (they never do, huh?). The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (or CISAC) made no bones about its disappointment with the decision, saying that the decision was being “imposed on [creators] against their express wishes.”

The decision could pave the way for a Europe-wide iTunes Store by removing certain cross-border restrictions. It also helps develop satellite, cable, and Internet broadcasting by simplifying the process for people to obtain licenses for broadcasting music.

Personally, I would like to see a similar decision that affects the US, so I can finally buy music from around the world and Cyrus can watch Australian television.