Brussels, 30/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 30 April, the European Commission launched the third and final public consultation in its review of the state aid criteria it uses to assess member states' support schemes for films and other audiovisual works. The criteria are set out in a draft communication, on which the Commission invites comments by 28 May 2013. The draft communication takes account of the earlier consultations on the draft report published in March 2012. The final communication is due to be published by the Commission in July 2013.
The new rules introduce three changes on those adopted in 2001: a) they will cover aid granted to all phases of an audiovisual work from concept to delivery to audiences rather than solely production aid; b) they will continue allowing member states to impose territorial spending obligations up to 80% of the overall production budget, but restrictions on the origin of goods and services, which are incompatible with the basic principles of the EU Single Market, would be clearly prohibited; and c) they will ensure proportionality of territorial obligations with the aid granted and take into account the specific characteristics of tax incentives.
EU member states provide an estimated €3 billion per year in film support: €2 billion in grants and soft loans, as well as €1 billion in tax incentives. Around 80% of this is for film production. France, the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain offer the majority of this financial support. (FG/transl.fl)