The ruling is expected to be made law on 12 September 2011 following backing from EU regulators this week. It will be the culmination of a long-running campaign by record companies and artists, who have been campaigning for a change in copyright protection, with European musicians calling for parity with American performers, who enjoy cover for 95 years.

The new ruling will benefit hundreds of artists including performers such as Tom Jones, Paul McCartney, Rodger Daltrey and Shirley Bassey and ...