European Union ministers gave their final blessing on Monday to new EU-wide copyright laws aimed at curbing Internet and hi-tech piracy.

The new regulations adapt outmoded EU laws to the digital environment, allowing rights holders to prevent the illegal copying of music, films and books protected by copyright. The ministers' adoption follows the European Parliament's approval of the regulations in February.

The European Commission, the 15-nation bloc executive, welcomed the ministers' adoption of the so-called "copyright directive."

"This is a very significant achievement," Internal Market Commissioner Frits Bolkestein said in a statement. "Not only is this directive the most important measure ever to be adopted by Europe in the copyright field, but it brings European copyright rules into the digital age."

The new legislation strikes a delicate balance between the interests of consumers and the industry.

The Commission said the new legislation addresses the need to protect creators, artists and copyright industries by the challenges posed by electronic commerce. But it allows at the same time for some flexibility concerning private copying.

Under the new rules, free swapping of online music files, such as those provided by Napster, will not be allowed. But consumers will be able to record a limited number of copies for private use.

The approval follows three years of arguing between consumer groups, artists and music industries. Member states have 18 months to ratify and implement the new EU-wide laws.

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