A4-0255/95

Decision on the common position established by the Council with a view to the adoption of a Council Decision on the implementation of a training programme for professionals in the European audiovisual programme industry (MEDIA II - Training) (C4-0373/95 - 95/0026(SYN))

(Cooperation procedure: second reading)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the common position of the Council, C4-0373/95 - 95/0026(SYN),

- having regard to its opinion at first reading ((OJ C 166, 3.7.1995, p. 192.)) on the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(95)0523 ((OJ C 108, 29.4.1995, p. 4.)),

- having been consulted by the Council pursuant to Article 189c of the EC Treaty,

- having regard to Rule 67 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the recommendation for second reading of the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media (A4-0255/95),

1. Amends the common position as follows;

2. Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission.

Common position of the Council Amendments by Parliament

(Amendment 1)

Recital 26a (new)

>Text following EP vote>

(26a) Whereas the rules, programmes and investment incentives should be coordinated with institutions such as the Council of Europe and UNESCO, and special consideration should be given to the interests of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe;

(Amendment 2)

Article 2(1), second indent

>Original text>

- utilization and development of new technologies for the production of programmes with high commercial and artistic added value.

>Text following EP vote>

- utilization and development of new multimedia, cinema and television technologies for the production of programmes with high commercial and artistic added value, supplementing basic training in the audiovisual professions;

>Text following EP vote>

- writing of screenplays and exchanges of information and experience in the areas of linear and interactive narration.

(Amendment 3)

Article 2(2)

>Original text>

2. to encourage cooperation and exchange of know-how between partners involved in training: training institutions, the professional sector and businesses.

>Text following EP vote>

2. to encourage cooperation and exchange of know-how by establishing networks between partners involved in training:training institutions, the professional sector and businesses, and by developing teacher training, taking into account those aspects likely to encourage a better understanding of audiovisual language and stimulate creativity and taking into account appropriate links with all levels of the education system.

>Text following EP vote>

These networks must give priority to exchanges of persons in order to improve knowledge of the market and firms working in the cinematographic industry in Europe.

(Amendment 4)

Article 2(2a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

2a. to ensure that together with the initiatives taken by the audiovisual industry, a skill base adequate to the industry's needs and offering reasonable opportunities to those wishing to enrol on training courses is established in each Member State.

(Amendment 5)

Article 3

>Original text>

Recipients of Community support involved in implementing the measures laid down in the Annex must provide a significant proportion of the funding (at least 50%). In duly justified exceptional cases this percentage may be reduced to as low as 25%.

>Text following EP vote>

Recipients of Community support involved in implementing the measures laid down in the Annex must provide a significant proportion of the funding (at least 25%). Exceptions to this principle may be considered in order to encourage cooperation and exchanges of know-how between the partners involved in training.

>Original text>

Community funding shall be determined in relation to the cost and nature of each measure envisaged.

>Text following EP vote>

Community funding shall be determined in relation to the cost and nature of each measure envisaged. The ceilings shall be laid down in the Annex.

>Original text>

The financial reference amount for implementing the programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 45 million.

>Text following EP vote>

The budget for the implementation of the programme shall be ECU 58 million.

>Original text>

The annual appropriations shall be authorized by the budgetary authority in accordance with the current financial perspective.

>Text following EP vote>

The budgetary authority shall determine the annual appropriations, taking into account the principles of sound financial management referred to in Article 2 of the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities.

(Amendment 6)

Article 6(4), second subparagraph (new)

>Text following EP vote>

This report shall in particular show the added value created on the basis of the financial support provided by the Community and the impact on the creation of jobs.

(Amendment 7)

Annex (1.-1) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

1. -1. Training in production, direction and writing

This training should pave the way for exchanges of know-how and experience between audiovisual industry professionals (producers, directors and screenplay writers).

(Amendment 8)

Annex (1.2a) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

1. 2a. Training to develop a European cultural perspective

>Text following EP vote>

This training shall be aimed at developing the capacity of professionals to understand the European cultural dimension of audiovisual works so that they can develop their ability to address a European, not merely a national, audience.

(Amendment 11)

Annex (1.2b) (new)

>Text following EP vote>

1. 2b. Continuing training via practical participation in production projects

>Text following EP vote>

Professionals should be given the means to facilitate entry into the European audiovisual industry for graduates of professional training institutes.

>Text following EP vote>

The operations will cover the following:

>Text following EP vote>

- promoting programmes and training institutes in which students cooperate with European audiovisual firms;

>Text following EP vote>

- promoting the networking of training measures and the mobility of graduates of audiovisual training institutes by carrying out practical work with firms in other Member States.

(Amendment 9)

Annex (2.1), first subparagraph

>Original text>

In implementing the programme, the Commission will work closely with the Member States. It will also consult the partners concerned. It will ensure that the professionals participating in the programme reflect a balanced representation of Europe's cultural diversity.

>Text following EP vote>

In implementing the programme, the Commission will work closely with the Member States. It will also consult the partners concerned. It will ensure that the professionals participating in the programme reflect their balanced selection, according to criteria guaranteeing equal opportunities (and under detailed monitoring and evaluation procedures) and that their participation reflects adequately Europe's cultural diversity.

(Amendment 10)

Annex (2.2), second subparagraph

>Original text>

Community funding of up to 50% (which may be increased up to 75% and duly justified exceptional cases) of total training costs will be within a framework of joint funding with public and/or private partners.

>Text following EP vote>

Funding of up to 75% of total training costs will be within a framework of joint funding with public and/or private partners.