Brussels, 03/04/2006 (Agence Europe) - From 1St April, Swiss film professionals will be able to take part in the EU MEDIA programme, under the same conditions as the other 29 participating countries - the 25 EU Member States, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Bulgaria. In return, Switzerland will pay an annual contribution to MEDIA whose budget for 2007-2013 has not yet been decided (the Commission proposed 1.055 billion euro but financial perspective negotiations give little cause for hope that there will be anything like that amount). Over the last decade, the share of Swiss productions in the national market has regularly climbed, reaching a new record of 16% in the first quarter of 2006 (compared with 6% in 2005), thanks to a proactive support policy, tripling the level of state subsidies and encouraging investment in production equipment, infrastructure and distribution. With a budget of 513 euro for the period 200-2006, MEDIA will help Switzerland increase its competitiveness through development, distribution and training aid. European Commissioner for the Information Society and the Media Viviane Reding welcomed the Swiss participation which showed the clear commitment of the Swiss government to the circulation of audiovisual works within Europe and to the promotion of cultural diversity. She pointed out in a press release that, despite the good health of the industry, Swiss films, like other European films, missed huge opportunities because of the fragmented audiovisual market in Europe and of the lack of a more proactive approach on new markets worldwide. In Europe, MEDIA supports the distribution of 9 out of 10 feature films outside their country of origin. It also has a strong knock-on effect in terms of investments in the audiovisual sector since each euro from the Community budget generates 5.75 euro in the industry, the Commission pointed out.