Amended proposal for a DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the implementation of a training programme for professionals in the European audiovisual programme industry (MEDIA - Training) (2001-2005) (presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC-Treaty)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

A. Principles

On 14 December 1999, the Commission adopted a Communication to the Council, the European Parliament, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions concerning a proposal for a programme in support of the audiovisual industry. [1] This communication was forwarded to the institutions concerned on 30 January 2000.

[1] COM (1999) 658 final.

This programme, which is to run from 2001 until 2005, comprises two distinct instruments: a training programme for professionals in the European audiovisual programme industry (Article 150 of the Treaty) [2] and a programme to encourage the development, distribution and promotion of European audiovisual works (Article 157 of the Treaty). [3]

[2] 1999/0275 (COD).

[3] 1999/0276 (CNS).

When the vote was taken in plenary session on 6 July 2000, [4] the European Parliament adopted at first reading 43 amendments to this proposal for a Decision. The Commission then gave its point of view on these amendments, indicating those it was able to accept and those which could not be adopted. The Commission stated that it was able to accept 37 of the 43 amendments in full or in substance.

[4] A5-0186/2000.

Bearing these elements in mind, the Commission has drawn up this amended proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council on the implementation of a training programme for professionals in the European audiovisual programme industry (MEDIA - Training) (2001-2005), given that this Decision (alone) is subject to the co-decision procedure. The amendments also take into account certain points raised during preliminary discussions in the Council.

B. Explanation of the principal amendments

The amendments by Parliament adopted by the Commission are aimed at:

- the content of the programme (18 amendments), particularly the inclusion of training in relation to copyright and intellectual property (amendments 6 and 15), and techniques for developing new types of audiovisual programmes (amendments 19, 31, 37); in addition, further information is provided concerning training in script-writing techniques;

- programme management (10 amendments), particularly with regard to committee procedures (amendments 26 and 39); in its amended proposal, the Commission proposes a mixed committee in accordance with the model in the Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the second phase of the Community action programme in the field of education "Socrates". [5] Other amendments relating to programme management are concerned, for example, with the inclusion of project selection criteria in the text of the Decision (amendment 21) and information on the transparency of the implementation of the programme (amendment 28);

[5] OJ L 28/1, 3/2/2000.

- the links to be provided to other national and Community support mechanisms (6 amendments), particularly information for professionals on other support measures provided by the European institutions (amendments 5, 42, 43);

- information on training in new technologies (amendments 2 and 32);

- information on participation in the programme by third countries (amendment 27);

- a reference to the conclusions of the Lisbon Council (amendments 3 and 10).

Amendments to the initial proposal from the Commission have been highlighted using strikethrough for deleted passages and bold and underlining for new or amended passages.

1999/0275 (COD)

Amended proposal for a DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the implementation of a training programme for professionals in the European audiovisual programme industry (MEDIA - Training) (2001-2005)

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 150(4) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission [6],

[6] OJ C ..., p. ...

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee, [7]

[7] OJ C ..., p. ...

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions, [8]

[8] OJ C ..., p. ...

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty,

Whereas:

(1) From 6 to 8 April 1998, the Commission, in collaboration with the United Kingdom presidency, held a European audiovisual conference on "Challenges and opportunities of the digital age", in Birmingham. This consultation process highlighted the need for an improved programme of training in the audiovisual sector which concentrated on all the new aspects of the digital age.

(2) The Culture/Audiovisual Council of 28 May 1998 took note of the final conclusions of the European audiovisual conference on "Challenges and opportunities of the digital age" and called for new schemes to be developed to encourage a strong and competitive programme industry.

(3) The Report of the High-Level Group on Audiovisual Policy of 26 October 1998, entitled "The Digital Age: European Audiovisual Policy", concluded that, in this environment, both initial and continuous training in the audiovisual sector should be strengthened.

(4) In the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers entitled "Audiovisual policy: next steps", the Commission recognises the considerable impact on employment which the digital age will have in the audiovisual industry. [9]

[9] COM(1998) 446 final, 14.7.1998.

(5) The Green Paper on "The Convergence of the Telecommunications, Media and Information Technology Sectors, and the Implications for Regulation" recognises that the emergence of new services will lead to the creation of new jobs. Adapting to the new markets requires staff trained in the use of the new technologies. [10]

[10] COM(1997) 623 final, 3.12.1997.

(6) The Commission's public consultation on the Green Paper confirmed the demand for specialised vocational training adapted to the needs of the market. [11]

[11] SEC(1998) 1284 final, 29.7.1998.

(6a) The digital revolution and new media have made possible the creation of innovative audiovisual works and require a good command of new techniques. In order to ensure that professionals can master the new technologies, there should be an emphasis on training in these technologies.

(7) In its Conclusions of 27 September 1999 on the results of the public consultation on the Green Paper, [12] the Council called upon the Commission to take account of those results when drawing up proposals for measures to strengthen the European audiovisual sector, including the multimedia sector.

[12] OJ C 283, 6.10.1999, p. 1.

(8) The extraordinary European Council on Employment held in Luxembourg on 20 and 21 November 1997 recognised that continuous education and vocational training can make a major contribution to the employment policies of the Member States with a view to improving suitability for employment, adaptability and the spirit of enterprise, and promoting equality of opportunities. The importance of suitable training was also underlined in the conclusions of the Lisbon Summit of 24 March 2000, particularly with regard to new technologies in the information society.

(9) In its report to the European Council on job opportunities in the information society, [13] the Commission noted that the new audiovisual services offered a strong potential for job creation.

[13] COM(1998) 590 final.

(10) The Commission implemented an "Action programme to promote the development of the European audiovisual industry (MEDIA) (1991-1995)", adopted by Council Decision 90/685/EEC, [14] and comprising, in particular, support for training activities to improve the professional skills of persons working in the audiovisual programme industry.

[14] OJ L 380, 31.12.1990, p. 37.

(11) The Community strategy for developing and strengthening the European audiovisual industry was confirmed under the MEDIA II programme adopted by Council Decision 95/563/EC, [15] and by Council Decision 95/564/EC. [16] On the basis of the achievements of that programme, its continuation should be ensured in the light of the results obtained.

[15] OJ L 321, 30.12.1995, p. 25.

[16] OJ L 321, 30.12.1995, p. 33.

(12) The Commission's report on the results obtained under the MEDIA II (1996-2000) programme, from 1 January 1996 to 30 June 1998, considers that the programme meets the principle of the subsidiarity of Community funds to national funds, since the field of intervention of MEDIA II supplements the traditionally predominant role of the national schemes. [17]

[17] COM(1999) 91 final, 16.3.1999.

(13) The Commission recognised the positive impact of the MEDIA II programme on employment in the audiovisual industry in its Communication on Community Policies in Support of Employment. [18]

[18] COM (1999) 167 final.

(13a) In order to stimulate European projects in the audiovisual field, the Commission will examine the possibility of additional funding under other Community instruments, particularly in the context of the "e-Europe" initiative, the fifth framework programme for research and cooperation with the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund. Professionals in the audiovisual sector will be informed of the various forms of aid provided by the European Union.

(14) The emergence of a European audiovisual market calls for professional skills adjusted to the new dimension of the market, particularly in the field of the economic, financial and commercial management of audiovisual projects and in the use of the new technologies in the design, development, production, distribution, marketing and broadcasting of programmes.

(15) Professionals should be given the professional skills to allow them to benefit fully from the European and international dimension of the market for audiovisual programmes, and they must be encouraged to develop projects which meet the needs of that market.

(15a) It is particularly important to support specialised training in copyright, including the relevant Community standards, and in the marketing of audiovisual products, paying particular attention to the new technologies as a tool for dissemination and commercialisation.

(16) Equal opportunities are a basic principle in Community policies which must be taken into account in the implementation of the present programme.

(17) Training for professionals should comprise the essential economic, legal, technological and commercial content. The rapid changes in these subjects makes continuous training necessary.

(18) The networking of vocational training centres should be encouraged, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, in order to facilitate the exchange of know-how and good practices in an international environment.

(19) Support for vocational training should take account of the structural objectives, such as developing the potential for creation, production, marketing and distribution in countries or regions where the capacity for audiovisual production is low or the linguistic area is limited.

(20) In accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality set out in Article 5 of the Treaty, and in view of the fact that the objectives of the proposed measures concerning the implementation of vocational training policy cannot be achieved by the Member States, in particular in view of the transnational partnerships to be established between the training centres, the measures necessary to achieve them should be implemented by the Community because of the transnational dimension of the Community measures. This Decision is confined to the minimum required to achieve these objectives and does not go beyond what is needed to achieve these objectives.

(21) The measures proposed under this programme are all aimed at achieving transnational cooperation which brings an added value to the measures being undertaken in the Member States, in accordance with the aforementioned principle of subsidiarity.

(22) The associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe, those EFTA countries which are members of the EEA, Cyprus, Malta and Turkey are recognised as potential participants in Community programmes on the basis of supplementary appropriations and in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with those countries. Those countries of Europe which have signed the transfrontier television Convention of the Council of Europe belong to the European audiovisual area and may therefore, if they wish, and taking into account budgetary considerations or other priorities of their audiovisual industries, participate in the programme or benefit under a limited cooperation scheme, on the basis of the supplementary appropriations, in accordance with the procedures to be established in the agreements between the interested parties.

(23) The opening-up of the programme to European third countries may be submitted to an examination of the compatibility of their national legislation with the Community acquis and, in particular, the second subparagraph of Article 6(1) of Council Directive 89/552/EEC [19] of 3 October 1989 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the pursuit of television broadcasting activities, as amended by European Parliament and Council Directive 97/36/EC. [20]

[19] OJ L 298, 17.10.1989, p. 23.

[20] OJ L 202, 30.7.1997, p. 60.

(24) Cooperation in the field of vocational training on the part of the European bodies and those in the third countries, on the basis of common interests, is likely to create an added value for the European audiovisual industry. In addition, opening up to third countries will increase awareness of Europe's cultural diversity and enable the dissemination of common democratic values. Cooperation will be developed on the basis of supplementary appropriations and in accordance with the procedures to be established in the agreements between the interested parties.

(25) In order to enhance the added value of the Community action, it is necessary to ensure, at all levels, that the measures undertaken under this Decision are consistent with and complementary to other Community interventions. The activities laid down by the programme should be coordinated with those undertaken by international organisations such as the Council of Europe.

(25a) In accordance with the decision by the Lisbon European Council, the Council and the Commission should report by the end of 2000 on the ongoing review of EIB and EIF financial instruments in order to redirect funding towards support for business start-ups, high-tech firms and micro-enterprises, as well as other risk-capital initiatives proposed by the EIB. In this context, particular attention should also be given to the audiovisual sector, and particularly to training programmes.

(26) This Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the programme, a financial framework constituting the principal point of reference within the meaning of point 1 of the Declaration of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission of 6 March 1995, [21] for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary procedure.

[21] JO C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 4.

(27) The measures necessary for the implementation of this act have been adopted in accordance with Council Decision 1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, laying down the procedures for the exercise of implementing powers conferred on the Commission; [22]

[22] OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

A vocational training programme, hereinafter referred to as "the programme", is hereby established for the period from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2005.

The programme is intended to give professionals in the audiovisual industry the necessary skills to allow them to take full advantage of the European and international dimension of the market and of the use of new technologies.

Article 2

1. The objectives of the programme are as follows:

a) To meet the industry's needs and promote competitiveness by improving the continuous vocational training of professionals in the audiovisual sector, with a view to giving them the know-how and skills to produce the competitive products needed to take account of the European and other markets, in particular in the field of:

- application of the new technologies, and in particular digital technologies, for the production and dissemination of audiovisual programmes with a high commercial and artistic added value;

- economic, financial and commercial management, including the legal framework and the techniques for the financing, production and distribution of audiovisual programmes;

- script-writing and narration techniques, including techniques for developing new types of audiovisual programmes.

Particular attention will be paid to the opportunities for distance learning and pedagogic innovation offered by the development of on-line technologies.

Exceptionally, certain initial vocational training measures in which the industrial sector is directly involved, such as masters' degrees, may also be supported if no other Community support is available and in fields for which there are no support measures at national level.

b) To encourage cooperation and the exchange of know-how and good practices through networking between the partners responsible for training, such as training establishments, the professional sector and undertakings, as well as through developing training for the trainers.

Particular importance will be attached to encouraging the gradual establishment of networks in the audiovisual training sector and in continuous training for trainers.

2. To achieve the objectives set out in the first paragraph of point (a) and in point (b) of paragraph 1, particular attention shall be devoted to the specific needs of countries or regions with a low production capacity and/or a restricted geographical and linguistic area, as well as to the development of an independent European production and distribution sector, and in particular small and medium-sized enterprises.

3. The objectives set out in paragraph 1 shall be realised in accordance with the arrangements contained in the Annex.

Article 3

In order to achieve maximum coordination, the Commission will ensure that there is collaboration between the training activities and the development projects supported under the MEDIA Plus programme. In this context, information about the support mechanisms provided by the programme shall be given to the professionals taking part in the continuous training activities. The Commission shall also ensure coordination between the programme and other Community programmes in the field of initial and continuous training, and with operations by the European Social Fund in accordance with the Regulation governing this Fund.

Article 4

1. The beneficiaries of Community support taking part in implementing the actions set out in the Annex shall provide a substantial proportion of the funding, equivalent to at least 50%, subject to the specific provisions set out in the Annex.

2. The beneficiaries of Community support shall ensure that a majority of the participants in a training measure are of a nationality other than that of the country in which the training takes place.

3. The Commission shall ensure that, as far as possible, an adequate proportion of the funding available each year, to be determined in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 5, is reserved for new activities.

4. Community funding shall be determined according to the costs and nature of each project planned.

5. The financial framework for implementing this programme for the period set out in Article 1 shall be EUR 50 million.

6. The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits of the financial perspectives.

Article 5

The Commission shall be responsible for implementing the programme.

1. The measures necessary for the implementation of this Decision with regard to the matters referred to below shall be adopted in accordance with the management procedure referred to in Article 6(2):

a) general guidelines for all measures described in the Annex;

b) the content of calls for proposals, the definition of criteria and of project selection procedures;

c) the appropriate percentage of funds available annually reserved for new activities;

d) procedures for monitoring and evaluating actions;

e) any proposed Community grant exceeding 200 000 euro per beneficiary and per year. This threshold may be reviewed by the Committee in the light of experience.

2. The measures necessary for the implementation of the programme with regard to all other matters shall be drawn up in accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article 6(3).

3. Technical assistance shall be governed by the provisions adopted in the context of the financial regulation.

Article 6

1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee.

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, in compliance with the provisions of Article 8 thereof. The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be two months.

3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, in compliance with the provisions of Article 8 thereof.

4. The Committee shall adopt its own rules of procedure.

Article 7

1. The programme shall be open to the participation of the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe, in accordance with the conditions laid down in the association agreements or their additional protocols relating to participation in Community programmes concluded or to be concluded with those countries.

2. The programme shall be open to the participation of Cyprus, Malta, Turkey and those EFTA countries which are members of the EEA Agreement, on the basis of supplementary appropriations, in accordance with the procedures to be agreed with those countries.

3. The programme shall be open to the participation of the countries which are Parties to the Council of Europe Convention on Transfrontier Television, other than those referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, on the basis of supplementary appropriations, in accordance with the conditions to be established in the agreements between the interested parties.

4. The opening-up of the programme to the European third countries referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 may be subject to a prior examination as to the compatibility of their national legislation with the Community acquis, including the second subparagraph of Article 6(1), of Directive 89/552/EEC.

5. The programme shall also be open to the participation of other third countries on the basis of supplementary appropriations and specific arrangements, and with joint financial participation in accordance with procedures to be established in the agreement between the interested parties. The European third countries referred to in paragraph 3 which do not wish to participate fully in the programme may be eligible for cooperation under the conditions set out in this paragraph.

Article 8

1. The Commission shall ensure that measures taken under this Decision are subject to prior appraisal, and to subsequent monitoring and evaluation, and shall ensure that the programme is accessible and that its implementation is transparent.

2. The beneficiaries selected shall submit an annual report to the Commission.

3. After completion of the projects, the Commission shall evaluate the manner in which they have been carried out and the impact of their implementation, in order to assess whether the original objectives have been achieved.

4. The Commission shall present to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions an evaluation report on the impact and effectiveness of the programme, on the basis of the results after two years of implementation.

This report shall include performance indicators such as the impact on employment.

This report shall be accompanied, if need be, by any proposal regarding adjustment, including budgetary adjustments.

5. On completion of the programme, the Commission shall present to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions a detailed report on the implementation and results of the programme.

The Commission's report shall take particular account of the value added by Community financial assistance, of any effects such assistance has on employment, and of the coordination measures referred to in Article 3.

Article 9

This Decision shall enter into force on 1 January 2001.

Done at Brussels,

For the European Parliament For the Council

The President The Chairman

ANNEX

1. MEASURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED

In support of and in addition to the measures being undertaken by the Member States, the programme aims to permit professionals to adapt to the dimension of the market, and in particular the European market, for audiovisual works, by promoting vocational training in economic, financial and commercial management, including the legal framework, distribution and marketing, as well as in the new technologies (including the conservation and exploitation of the European film and audiovisual heritage) and script-writing techniques and the development of new types of programmes.

Training measures will take into account the legal context governing intellectual property, and in particular the relevant Community standards.

The training measures supported will be open to professionals in the relevant sectors of the audiovisual and radio industry.

1.1. Training in the new technologies

This training aims to develop the ability of professionals to use advanced creation and dissemination techniques, in particular in the fields of animation, computer graphics, multimedia and interactive applications.

The measures proposed are as follows:

* promoting the development and updating of the modules for training in the new audiovisual technologies, in parallel with the measures being taken by the Member States;

* networking the training courses, promoting exchanges of instructors and professionals by awarding grants, organising work experience in undertakings in other Member States and contributing to the training of trainers, particularly through distance learning, by promoting exchanges and partnerships involving the regions with a low production capacity and/or a limited geographical and linguistic area.

1.2. Training in economic, financial and commercial management

This training aims to develop the ability of professionals to appreciate and use the European dimension in the development, production, marketing and distribution/dissemination of audiovisual programmes.

The measures proposed are as follows:

* promoting the development and updating of the modules for training in management, in parallel to the measures being taken by the Member States and emphasising the European dimension;

* networking the training courses, promoting exchanges of instructors and professionals by awarding grants, organising work experience in undertakings in other Member States and contributing to the training of trainers, particularly through distance learning, by promoting exchanges and partnerships involving the regions with a low production capacity and/or a limited geographical and linguistic area.

1.3. Script-writing techniques

This training is intended for experienced script-writers and directors with a view to improving their ability to develop techniques based on both conventional and interactive script-writing and narration methods in all types of audiovisual programmes.

The measures will be as follows:

* promoting the development and updating of the training modules for identifying target audiences; publication and development of scripts for an international audience with the aim of high production quality; relations between the script-writer, the script editor, the producer and the distributor;

* encouraging exchanges and partnerships between countries and regions with a low production capacity and/or a limited linguistic and/or geographical area.

1.4. Networks of training courses

The objective is to encourage existing continuous training institutions and/or measures to step up coordination of their activities in order to establish European networks.

1.5. Initial training activities

In exceptional circumstances, support may be provided for activities in some fields of initial vocational training where no Community or national funding is on offer. Such activities may include master's degrees in which there is a link with the industry in the form of a partnership and/or work experience.

2. IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURE

2.1. Approach

In implementing the programme, the Commission, assisted by the Committee provided for in Article 6, will work closely with the Member States. It will also consult the partners concerned. It will ensure that the participation of professionals adequately reflects Europe's cultural diversity.

It will encourage designers of training modules to cooperate with institutions, the professional sector and undertakings in their work.

It will facilitate the presence of trainees, particularly from countries and regions with a low production capacity and/or a restricted linguistic and geographical area.

2.2. Community contribution

Community cofinancing of the total training costs will be provided within a framework of joint funding with public and/or private partners, generally up to a limit of 50%. This contribution may be raised to 60% for training activities in countries or regions with a low production capacity and/or a restricted linguistic and geographical area.

The procedure set out in Article 6(2) will be applied to determine the allocation of funding for each type of measure eligible under point 1.

In accordance with the rules for Community funding, and in application of the procedure set out in Article 6(2), the Commission will lay down a set of rules for funding in order to determine the ceiling for each continuous training activity and professional trained.

Designers of modules and training centres using them will be selected by calls for proposals.

As far as possible, the Commission will ensure that an appropriate percentage of the funds available annually are allocated to new activities.

2.3. Implementation

2.3.1. In accordance with the procedure set out in Article 6, the Commission shall implement the programme. It shall call upon consultants and technical assistance offices to be selected, after a call for proposals, on the basis of their expertise in the sector. The technical assistance will be financed by the programme's budget. In accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 6(2), the Commission may also conclude partnerships for ad hoc operations with specialised bodies such as Eureka Audiovisual, in order to implement joint measures which meet the objectives of the programme in the field of training.

The Commission shall make the final selection of the beneficiaries of the programme and shall decide on the financial support to be granted, in accordance with Article 5.

It shall set out the grounds for its decisions to those applying for Community support, and ensure transparency in the implementation of the programme.

The beneficiaries shall ensure that the Community assistance is publicised.

In selecting measures eligible for assistance, the Commission shall take into consideration, in addition to the priorities set out in paragraph 2, the following particular criteria:

- partnerships between training institutions, the specialist sector and business;

- the innovative nature of the measure;

- the multiplier effect of the measure (in particular the existence of usable results such as handbooks);

- the cost-effectiveness of the measure;

- the existence of other national or Community support measures.

For the implementation of the programme, and in particular the assessment of the projects receiving funding under the programme, and for the networking measures, the Commission shall ensure that it makes use of the skills of recognised experts in the audiovisual sector in the fields of training, development, production, distribution and promotion and management of rights, particularly in the new digital environment. In order to ensure the independence of the consultants and experts upon whose services it calls, the Commission shall lay down provisions preventing the participation of these categories of people in the calls for proposals laid down under the programme.

2.3.2 Through appropriate measures, the Commission shall make known the opportunities offered by the programme and ensure its promotion.

In addition, the Commission shall provide integrated information via the Internet on the forms of assistance offered in the context of European Union policy with regard to the audiovisual sector.

In particular, the Commission and the Member States shall take the necessary measures, by continuing the activities of the network of MEDIA Desks and Antennae, and by ensuring that the skills of the latter are strengthened, in order to:

* inform professionals in the audiovisual sector of the various forms of assistance provided under the European Union policy;

* ensure that the programme is publicised and promoted;

* encourage the greatest possible participation of professionals in the measures under the programme;

* assist professionals in presenting their projects in response to calls for proposals;

* foster transfrontier cooperation between professionals;

* act as a relay between the various support bodies in the Member States with a view to ensuring that the measures under this programme are complementary to the national support measures.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

1. TITLE OF OPERATION

Training programme for professionals in the European audiovisual programme industry (MEDIA Plus) (2001-2005)

2. BUDGET HEADING(S) INVOLVED

B 3 2010

3. LEGAL BASIS

Article 150 of the Treaty establishing the European Community

4. DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

4.1 General objective

The development of digital technologies is spawning rapid growth in the range of audiovisual programme on offer. The developments expected in the content industry will generate employment only if the professionals in the sector have qualifications which are in tune with the needs of the market. Similarly, the support mechanisms for the audiovisual industry can be fully effective only if they are underpinned by skills geared to meeting new challenges.

Vocational training nowadays goes beyond the school-education and academic spheres. The relentless pace of change in the economic and technological environment makes it essential to bolster the provision of continuous training throughout professional life.

The objectives set out in Article 150 of the Treaty recognise the importance attaching to the European Union's training policy.

4.2 Period covered by the operation and arrangements for renewal

The MEDIA Plus Training Programme covers the period from 1 January 2001 to 31 January 2005. Its possible renewal will be the subject of a new decision-making process based on the provisions set out in the Treaty.

5. CLASSIFICATION OF EXPENDITURE OR REVENUE

5.1 Non-compulsory expenditure

5.2 Differentiated appropriations

5.3 N/A

6. TYPE OF EXPENDITURE OR REVENUE

- Subsidy for joint financing with other sources in the public and/or private sector.

- No repayment or supplementary revenue is expected.

The Community will make a financial contribution towards training activities of up to 50% (60% for training courses held in countries or regions having a low audiovisual production capacity and/or restricted geographical and linguistic area) of actual project costs, subject to a ceiling of one million euro per training centre per year. Financial contributions will be awarded by means of contracts having a maximum term of three years.

7. FINANCIAL IMPACT

7.1 Method of calculating total cost of operation

The amounts were determined on the basis of two data sources:

(1) the data available from the implementation of the MEDIA II Programme (databases with figures broken down by sector of activity and by line of action). These figures are derived from actual files submitted by tenderers (representing at least 50% of the professionals in the sector).

(2) data contained in the following documents: proceedings of conferences on the audiovisual media (European Audiovisual Conference in Birmingham, Helsinki Forum on Audiovisual Policy), Report of the High-level Group on Audiovisual Policy (Oreja Group), Mid-term Assessment of the MEDIA II Programme (BIPE), Commission documents (Green Paper on Convergence, Communication on the next steps in audiovisual policy), etc. These documents, which incorporate macro-economic analyses, contain figures relating to the sectoral needs of the European audiovisual industry.

In the implementation of the programme over the entire five-year period, the expenditure required in the first and the fourth year will be higher, in order to fund projects running for two or three years. The expenditure envisaged for the other three years will be used to finance projects of shorter duration.

The proportion of the budget devoted, respectively, to "management", "new technologies" and "script-writing techniques" will depend in each case on the cost of the operation and the proposals received in response to calls for proposals. The amounts given in this Financial Statement represent the total cost of Community involvement, i.e. at most 60% of the actual cost of operations.

7.2 Itemised breakdown of cost

Commitment appropriations EUR million (current prices)

>TABLE POSITION>

In order to support training schemes running for two or three years, the amounts allocated for the years 2001 and 2004 are higher than those for the other years, during which projects of a shorter duration will be selected.

Actions vis-à-vis the sector

Commitment appropriations EUR million (current prices)

>TABLE POSITION>

7.3 Operating costs, technical assistance, included in Part B of the budget

Commitment appropriations EUR million (current prices)

>TABLE POSITION>

In order to conduct a selection among the proposals and to assist in the follow-up, the Commission envisages calling upon external technical and/or administrative assistance. In the framework of the MEDIA II and MEDIA I programmes, the Commission was assisted by TAOs (Technical Assistance Offices) with expertise in the areas covered by the programme. The type of external technical and/or administrative assistance used for the implementation of the present programme will be determined in accordance with the guidelines established by the Commission. If TAOs are to be used for the establishment of the present programme, the College will be duly informed in accordance with the Vademecum concerning Technical Assistance Offices.

7.4 Indicative schedule of commitment/payment appropriations

Commitment appropriations EUR million

>TABLE POSITION>

8. FRAUD PREVENTION MEASURES

Programme beneficiaries are selected by way of a call for proposals procedure published several times a year in the Official Journal of the European Communities. Before approving a request for Community support, the Commission conducts a careful assessment to determine whether it complies with Council Decisions and meets the conditions set out in the call for proposals.

Applications for Community support must include:

- a financial plan setting out in detail all the components in the financing of the projects, including the support applied for from the Commission;

- a provisional timetable of work;

- any other relevant information requested by the Commission in the specifications set out in the call for proposals.

To make its selection from among the proposals, the Commission consults TAOs (Technical Assistance Offices) with expertise in the areas covered by the Programme. Projects judged eligible are first submitted to independent experts and then to the MEDIA committee, which is made up of representatives of the countries participating in the Programme, before the final decision is taken by the European Commission. Above certain thresholds set out in the Decisions setting up the Programme, the projects selected are submitted to the committee for its opinion.

Payment of financial contributions is subject to the prior production of supporting documents for the activity reports, as well as to on-site checking (audit) and central monitoring.

Moreover, various bodies (Court of Auditors, Financial Control and authorising officer) carry out checks on the management of the operations carried out and on the beneficiaries.

9. ELEMENTS OF COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS

9.1 Specific and quantified objectives, target population

The main objective is to upgrade the skills of European professionals in the audiovisual industry through enhanced mastery of management tools, increased focus on global markets and the European dimension in the various professions and, finally, by dint of specific training in the use of new technologies. The expected dividend, therefore, is greater competitiveness on the part of European audiovisual enterprises.

In particular, MEDIA operations are aimed at remedying:

- the lack of commercial and legal training among managerial staff and the lack of market focus which have long characterised part of Europe's industrial fabric;

- the insufficient focus on the European dimension in the development of projects and of enterprises;

- the fragmentation of enterprises which means that adequate budgets cannot be provided for training;

- the inadequate training given in new digital technologies.

Target population:

The beneficiaries of the operations to be undertaken fall into various categories: professionals, trainers and enterprises. The sectors affected by the training operations are management, script-writing and new technologies. The operations conducted should translate, at European market level, into the generation of highly-skilled jobs, the maintenance of a high-performance business fabric at European level, and the incorporation of a European dimension into initial training programmes.

9.2 Grounds for the operation

Need for Community financial aid, particularly in the light of the principle of subsidiarity:

The proposed support programme is in line with the European Union's audiovisual policy.

It operates according to the principle of subsidiarity and is designed to complement national initiatives. It thus underpins and rounds off operations undertaken at national level. It meets the objectives set out in the Treaty, particularly the stipulation in Article 150 that Community action shall aim to:

- facilitate adaptation to industrial changes;

- improve initial and continuing vocational training;

- stimulate cooperation on training between educational or training establishments and firms.

Choice of ways and means

The funds provided by the Community in the form of subsidies of up to 50% of the cost of training courses held (60% for those held in countries or regions having a low audiovisual production capacity and/or a restricted geographical and linguistic area) are intended to give national/regional partners an incentive to supplement existing training.

The Commission report on the results obtained under the MEDIA II Programme over the period 1 January 1996 to 30 June 1998 stresses that the training courses held under the MEDIA Programme "are meeting a real need in the European audiovisual industry in both their content and in their international nature. (...) Finally, they have enabled genuine networks of European professionals to be formed, facilitating joint productions and sales, resulting in some cases in permanent partnerships".

9.3 Monitoring and evaluation of the operation

Performance indicators:

Initial training:

- number of course participants;

- number of non-nationals participating;

- number of training bodies involved in the network (per training project).

Continuous training:

- number of course participants;

- number of non-nationals participating;

- number of projects at the development stage dealt with during training;

- number of projects developed after training (and which were at the development stage during training);

- number of itinerant courses.

The Commission monitors the most pertinent indicators throughout the implementation of the programme. For the contracts established with the Commission, the beneficiaries of financial support will have to provide the relevant information so as to allow continuous, mid-term and ex-post evaluation.

Details and frequency of planned evaluation:

The Commission will draw up two Programme evaluation reports.

Mid-term report: The first report will be drawn up two years after the start of the Programme. It will set out to produce an initial assessment of the results obtained by the mid-term stage with a view to making any necessary changes and adjustments for the second part of the Programme. To this end, the Commission may call upon the services of external consultants who will be selected on the basis of their expertise by means of an invitation to tender. The Commission's report will be submitted to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee.

Final report: The second report will be drawn up at the end of the five years of Programme implementation. It will set out to evaluate the results of the support systems in the light of the objectives of the Programme. As in the case of the mid-term report, the Commission may involve external consultants in this exercise, and the final report will likewise be submitted to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee.

Moreover, the Commission plans, on the basis of the experience gained under the MEDIA II Programme, to continue the practice of auditing beneficiaries (approximately 30 per year) in order to verify whether Community funds are being put to appropriate use. The results of the audits will be the subject of a written report.

Assessment of the results obtained:

Information enabling the performance, results and impact of the Programme to be measured will be derived from the following sources:

- statistical data compiled on the basis of information from applications and the monitoring of contracts with the beneficiaries;

- audit reports on a sample of beneficiaries of the Programme (30 per year);

- consultations with MEDIA Desks and Antennae and on national markets;

- consultations with experts and institutions (national and international professional associations);

- consultations with audiovisual professionals and with specialised training bodies.

10. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE (SECTION III, PART A OF THE BUDGET)

This section of the financial statement must be sent simultaneously to DGs BUDG and ADMIN; the latter will then forward it to DG BUDG with its opinion.

Actual mobilisation of the necessary administrative resources will depend on the Commission's annual decision on the allocation of resources, taking particular account of the number of staff and additional amounts authorised by the budgetary authority.

10.1 Impact on the number of posts

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The administrative resources required may actually be mobilised in the framework of the annual Commission decision on the allocation of resources, taking particular account of additional resources authorised by the budgetary authority.

Accordingly, DG EAC should take into account the risk that the budget authority, having adopted the legislative proposal in question, does not grant the Commission the necessary additional human resources. In that case, if no redeployment from other Commission services were possible, DG EAC would have to meet additional human resources requirements exclusively through internal redeployment.

10.2 Overall financial impact of additional human resources

Per year in EUR

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The amounts express the total cost of the additional posts for the total length of the operation if it is of a specific duration, or for 12 months if it is of unspecified duration.

10.3 Increase in other operating expenditure resulting from the operation, particularly expenditure for meetings of committees and groups of experts (EUR)

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The expenses relating to heading A-7 appearing in point 10 will be covered by the overall appropriations for DG EAC.