State aid: Commission consults on new film support rules

The European Commission has 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 final Communication is due to be adopted by the Commission in July 2013. Joaquín Almunia, Commission Vice-President in charge of competition policy, commented: “Today’s revised draft rules aims to set the scene for a successful European audiovisual sector which can deliver the films European audiences enjoy. Their objective is to encourage creation and cultural diversity in all parts of the EU and to foster a genuinely European cinema, where cross-border productions can be set up easily. This new draft also attempts to reconcile the different points of view expressed by Member States about what rules are needed at EU level. ” Here to read more.