BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) — The European Union has agreed to extend royalty protection for music performers and producers from 50 years to 70 years.

The EU said Monday it wants to make sure artists are covered throughout their lifetimes, and do not have to face a decline in income later in life.

The international group representing the recording industry welcomed the measure. Opera singer Placido Domingo welcomed it as "great news for performing artists."

Thousands of European performers who recorded in the 1960s were on the point of losing airplay royalties, and suffering a subsequent loss of income.