The "Media" program is intended to strengthen competition
in the audio-visual industry, support the creation of co-operative
networks among European bodies for audio-visual training, to set
up networks of European cinemas and distributors, and to facilitate
co-operation among audio-visual festivals in Europe.
The program was established with two decisions by the Council
(no. 821 of 20 December 2000 and no. 163 of 19 January 2001) and
began operation in January 2001. It is intended to last until
2005, within overall financing of € 400 million.
The program focuses particularly on a series of measures that
range from professional training to the development of production
projects to the distribution of cinematographic and individual
works.
The European Commission, assisted by a specific Committee, is
responsible for the implementation of "Media".
The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament
are evaluating a proposal made by the Commission in April 2002
to extend the "Media Plus" program for a year (until
2006). The proposal foresees an increase in financial support
for 2006 from 79.6 M€ to 85 M€ to take the enlargement
of the Union into consideration.
