Brussels, 08/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 14 November, the European Commission will adopt a new communication on state aid for films and other audiovisual works. It will present the criteria which define how member states may financially support the production and distribution of films in line with EU state aid rules. The communication will replace and amend the criteria that have been applied since 2001.
The aim of the communication is to encourage creation and cultural diversity everywhere in the EU and to set the conditions for a successful European audiovisual sector where cross-border productions can be set up easily. Every year, the EU member states provide €3 billion to aid the film sector (€2 billion in grants and soft loans, and €1 billion in tax incentives). Around 80% of this is for film production. (LC/transl.fl)