Brussels, 09/04/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, the European Commission approved a Spanish aid scheme in favour of cinema and film-related activities, on the basis of the cultural exemption under Article 87 §3 point d. of the EC Treaty. The scheme approved by the Commission provides for audience-related support. Film producers who meet the criteria established may thus benefit from subsidies of up to 15% of box-office receipts in Spain during a twelve-month period. Furthermore, the scheme provides for aid on project. Thus, the Spanish Institute for Film and Audiovisual Arts (ICAA) may grant subsidies of up to 60% of the film budget to independent producers who incorporate new directors or to experimental works of remarkable artistic and cultural content according to advice given by a committee of experts to this effect. The annual budget for the aid scheme will be managed by the ICAA, and is estimated at EUR 41.4 million. An average number of 90 feature films per year will receive audience-related support, and about 14 films project-related aid. Finally, 25 short films by independent producers will also be supported. The Commission has verified whether the Spanish scheme meets the criteria defining aid to promote culture, which comes under exceptional authorisation. According to the criteria set, the aid must be granted to a cultural product and not exceed 50% of the cost of making the film.