The European representation of magazine publishers was founded in 1988 in Brussels under the French name “Fédération des associations d’éditeurs de périodiques de la C.E.E.” (Federation of Associations of Periodical Publishers in the European Economic Community), which originally was abbreviated to FAEP. The goal of the association was, in close collaboration with its members and the authorities of the EEC, to study the regulations governing the activity of periodical publishers, mediate the relations between publishers, the EEC and member states, and to work to maintain the freedom to disseminate information, ideas and knowledge.
The name changed to European Federation of Magazine Publishers around 1993, when the EEC became the EU.
In October 2011, FAEP transitioned to EMMA, the European Magazine Media Association. However, despite the change in name and aesthetics, the main goals set down in 1988 remain. Today, EMMA defends freedom of expression, thus promoting pluralism and diversity, and ensures that Europe’s periodical press industry remains competitive and vibrant. Moreover, EMMA supports self-regulatory mechanisms, backed by an equitable and balanced legal framework. EMMA also consistently points out that the freedom of commercial communication is an integral part of the overall principle of freedom of expression, since commercial communications are the life-blood of the majority of periodical publications.