Brussels, 17/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - The General Affairs Council on Monday 14 September adopted without debate the “Media Mundus” programme aimed at supporting cooperation between the European film industry and professionals from countries outside the EU. With a budget of €15 million for the period 2011-2013, the programme aims to improve the distribution of European films abroad and encourage the projection of works produced in third countries in Europe with a view to giving consumers a wider choice, increasing the competitiveness of the European audiovisual industry and promoting cultural exchange. The programme will also support funding of joint projects between European and third country producers. The European Commission, which will implement the programme on the basis of annual plans, may reimburse up to 80% of the cost of the projects. (I.L./transl.jl)