91999E1541

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1541/99

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(1 September 1999)

Subject: Drafting of Community Directive concerning the film industry

Would the Commission be favourably disposed to the drafting of a Community cinema directive in parallel with the directive on television without frontiers seeking to protect those employed in the European film industry and audiovisual sector and secure the European content of material released over the media?

It is worth noting that a Community directive concerning the European film industry would also contribute to economic development and job creation.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 1999)

The television without frontiers Directive, (Directive 97/36/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 1997 amending Council Directive 89/552/EEC on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities)(1) aims primarily to ensure the free movement of television broadcasts throughout the Community. It therefore co-ordinates certain provisions laid down in the Member States relating to this activity. A further objective is to promote production, independent production and distribution.

The same objectives are followed in respect of the European film industry. The Commission, through the MEDIA programme, has adopted a series of measures aimed at supporting the European film industry, focusing on certain key activities, such as development, distribution and training.

The Commission is not currently aware of any specific barriers to the circulation of European films within the Community, for which regulatory intervention at Community level would be needed but it would be very interested to receive information on this subject.

(1) OJ L 202, 30.7.1997.