Decision No 163/2001/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 January 2001 on the implementation of a training programme for professionals in the European audiovisual programme industry (MEDIA-Training) (2001-2005)
Date: 2001-01-19
Institutions: Council of the European Union, European Parliament
Subjects: EU programme, audiovisual communications policy, audiovisual programme, in-service training, vocational training

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(Acts whose publication is obligatory)

DECISION No 163/2001/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

of 19 January 2001

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 (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social
Committee (2),

Having regard to the opinion of
Regions (3),

the Committee of

the

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article
251 of the Treaty (4),

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

(3)

highlighted

the digital age’

From 6 to 8 April 1998, the Commission, in coopera-
tion with the Presidency-in-office, held a European
audiovisual conference on ‘Challenges and opportunities
in Birmingham. This consultation
of
an improved
for
the need
process
programme of training in the audiovisual sector which
concentrated on all the new aspects of the digital age.
The Council of 28 May 1998 took note of the final
conclusions of the said conference and called for new
schemes to be developed to encourage a strong and
competitive programme industry.

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.

The challenges of production, distribution and avail-
ability of European audiovisual content were the main
topics discussed at the Forum on Audiovisual Policy
entitled ‘European content for the digital millennium’

(1) OJ C 150, 30.5.2000, p. 59.
(2) OJ C 168, 16.6.2000, p. 8.
(3) OJ C 317, 6.11.2000, p. 60.
(4) Opinion of

the European Parliament of 6 July 2000 (not yet
published in the Official Journal), Council Common Position of 23
November 2000 (OJ C 375, 28.12.2000, p. 44) and Decision of the
European Parliament of 13 December 2000.

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

organised in Helsinki on 10 and 11 September 1999 by
the
in cooperation with the
Commission.

Presidency-in-office

Presidency-in-office

The seminar ‘Training for the new millennium’ held by
the
in cooperation with the
Commission in Oporto on 10 and 11 April 2000
stressed in its conclusions that efforts in training are
required to facilitate the growth and desirable internatio-
nalisation of the European audiovisual

industry.

In the Communication from the Commission to the
European Parliament and the Council entitled ‘Audio-
visual policy: next steps’, the Commission recognises the
considerable impact on employment which the digital
age will have in the audiovisual

industry.

and

The Green Paper on ‘The Convergence of the Telecom-
munications, Media
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 new technologies. The
Commission's public consultation on the Green Paper
confirmed the demand for specialised vocational training
adapted to the needs of the market.

In its Conclusions of 27 September 1999 on the results
of the public consultation on the Green Paper (5), 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.

The European Council held in Luxembourg on 20 and
21 November 1997 recognised that continuous educa-
tion and vocational training can make a major contribu-
tion 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.

(5) OJ C 283, 6.10.1999, p. 1.

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(9)

(10)

(11)

(12)

(13)

(14)

The European Council meeting held in Lisbon on 24
March 2000 also emphasised the importance of appro-
priate training, particularly in new technologies used by
the information society.

In its report to the European Council on job opportuni-
ties in the information society, the Commission noted
that the new audiovisual services offered a strong poten-
tial for job creation.

It is therefore appropriate to facilitate the development
of investment in the European audiovisual industry and
call on the Member States to encourage the creation of
new jobs by various means.

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 (1) and comprising, in particular,
support for training activities to improve the profes-
sional skills of persons working in the European audio-
visual programme industry.

The Community strategy for developing and strength-
ening the European audiovisual industry was confirmed
under the MEDIA II programme adopted by Council
Decision 95/563/EC (2), and by Council Decision 95/
564/EC (3). On the basis of the achievements of the
abovementioned MEDIA II programme, its continuation
should be ensured in the light of the results obtained.

the Commission considers

In its report on the results obtained under the MEDIA II
(1996-2000) programme, from 1 January 1996 to 30
the
June 1998,
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.

that

(15)

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.

(16) As it is necessary to take cultural aspects of the audio-
visual sector into account as indicated in Article 151(4)
of the Treaty, it should be ensured that participation in
this programme reflects European cultural diversity.

(17) With a view to encouraging European audiovisual
projects, the Commission will examine the possibility of
complementary funding from other Community instru-
ments in particular under the ‘e-Europe’ Action plan,
such as those covered by the European Investment Bank
(EIB), the European Investment Fund (EIF) as well as the
European
Programme
Fifth

Framework

the

of

(1) OJ L 380, 31.12.1990, p. 37.
(2) OJ L 321, 30.12.1995, p. 25.
(3) OJ L 321, 30.12.1995, p. 33.

Community for research, technological development and
demonstration activities adopted by Decision No 182/
1999/EC of
the
Council (4). Professionals in the audiovisual sector will be
informed about the different types of funding available
at Community level.

the European Parliament and of

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 new technologies in the
design, development, production, distribution, marketing
and broadcasting of programmes.

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

the market

Particular emphasis
should be given to specialised
training in intellectual property rights including the rele-
vant Community rules, as well as to specialised training
in the marketing of audiovisual products focusing in
particular on new technologies as dissemination and
marketing vehicles.

Equal opportunities are a basic principle in Community
policies which must be taken into account in the imple-
mentation of this programme.

Training for professionals should comprise the essential
economic,
technological and business content;
rapid changes in these subjects make lifelong learning
necessary.

legal,

In order to ensure that professionals master new tech-
nologies, special emphasis should be given to training in
the use of these technologies, and thereby increasing
competitiveness of enterprises in the audiovisual sector.

In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity,
the
networking of vocational
training centres should be
to facilitate the exchange of
encouraged in order
know-how and best practice in an international environ-
ment.

Support for vocational training should take account of
structural objectives, such as developing the potential for
creation, production, marketing and distribution in
countries or regions with: a low audiovisual production
capacity; and/or a restricted linguistic or geographical
area; as well as the development of an independent
European production and distribution sector, in partic-
ular small and medium-sized enterprises.

(18)

(19)

(20)

(21)

(22)

(23)

(24)

(25)

(4) OJ L 26, 1.2.1999, p. 1.

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(26)

(27)

(28)

(29)

(30)

In accordance with the principles of subsidiarity and
proportionality and in view of the fact that the objec-
tives of the proposed measures concerning the imple-
mentation 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. This
Decision does not go beyond what is needed to achieve
these objectives.

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

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 Council of
Europe Convention on Transfrontier Television belong
to the European audiovisual area and may therefore, if
they wish, and taking into account budgetary considera-
tions 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.

The opening-up of the programme to European third
countries should be subject to a prior examination as to
the compatibility of their national legislation with the
Community acquis in particular Council Directive 89/
552/EEC 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 (1).

Cooperation in the field of vocational training on the
part of the European training establishments and those
in third countries, on the basis of common interests, is
likely to create an added value for the European audio-
visual industry. Moreover, opening up to third countries
will raise awareness of European cultural diversity and
will lead to the dissemination of common democratic
values. Such 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.

(31)

In order to enhance the added value of the Community
action, it is necessary to ensure, at all levels, that the
measures taken under this Decision are consistent with
and complementary to other Community action. It is
desirable to coordinate the activities laid down by the

(1) OJ L 298, 17.10.1989, p. 23. Directive as amended by Directive
(OJ L

the European Parliament and of

the Council

97/36/EC of
202, 30.7.1997, p. 60).

(32)

(33)

(34)

programme with those undertaken by international
organisations such as the Council of Europe.

In accordance with the conclusions of the Lisbon Euro-
pean Council, the Council and Commission are to report
by the end of 2000 on the review of the EIB and EIF
financial instruments which was undertaken in order to
redirect funding towards business start-ups, high-tech
firms and micro-enterprises, as well as other risk capital
or guarantee mechanism initiatives proposed by the EIB
and EIF. In this connection, particular attention should
be paid to the audiovisual sector,
including training
programmes.

This Decision lays down, for the entire duration of the
programme, a financial
framework constituting the
prime reference, within the meaning of point 33 of the
Interinstitutional Agreement of 6 May 1999 between the
European Parliament, the Council and Commission (2),
for the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary
procedure.

The measures necessary for the implementation of this
Decision should be 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 (3),

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

Establishment of the programme

A vocational training programme, MEDIA-Training, 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 Euro-
pean audiovisual programme industry, mainly through contin-
uous vocational training, the necessary skills to allow them to
take full advantage of the European and international dimen-
sion of the market and of the use of new technologies.

Article 2

Objectives of the programme

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 profes-
sionals in the audiovisual sector, with a view to giving
them the know-how and skills needed to create competitive
products on the European and other markets, in particular
in the field of:

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

(2) OJ C 172, 18.6.1999, p. 1.
(3) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

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— economic,

financial

and commercial management,
including the legal framework and the techniques for
the financing, production and distribution of audio-
visual programmes;

— script-writing techniques and storytelling including
techniques for the development of new audiovisual
programme types.

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

For these training activities, cooperation between various
players in the audiovisual industry, such as script-writers,
directors and producers, will be encouraged.

As an exception, certain initial vocational training measures
in which the industrial sector is directly involved, such as
master's 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 best practice through networking between the partners
responsible for training, namely 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 the trainers.

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

Article 4

Financial provisions and funding conditions

The beneficiaries of Community support taking part in
1.
implementing the actions set out in the Annex shall provide a
substantial proportion of
the funding. Community funding
shall not exceed 50 % of the cost of operations. However, in
the cases expressly provided for in the Annex, this proportion
may be as much as 60 % of the cost of operations.

2.
The beneficiaries of Community support shall ensure that
in principle a majority of the participants in a training measure,
nationals of States participating in the programme, are of a
nationality other than that of the beneficiary's country. To that
end, support to facilitate participation by professionals from
different
linguistic areas may be included in Community
funding for the training measure.

3.
The Commission shall ensure that, as far as possible, an
appropriate proportion of the funding annually available, to be
determined in accordance with the procedure laid down in
Article 6(2),

is reserved for new activities.

Community funding shall be determined according to the

4.
costs and nature of each project planned.

5.
The financial framework for the implementation of this
programme for the period referred to in Article 1 is hereby set
at EUR 50 million.

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

Article 5

Implementation of the programme

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

The Commission shall be responsible for the implementa-

1.
tion of the programme.

Article 3

Coordination

In order to achieve maximum coordination, the Commission
shall ensure that there is cooperation between the training
activities referred to in the programme and the development
projects supported under the MEDIA Plus programme estab-
lished under Council Decision 2000/821/EC (1).

(1) Council Decision 2000/821/EC of 20 December 2000 on the
implementation of a programme to encourage the development,
distribution and promotion of European audiovisual works (MEDIA
Plus — Development, Distribution and Promotion) (2001-2005) (OJ
L 336, 30.12.2000, p. 82).

2.
The measures necessary for the implementation of this
Decision concerning 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 the measures described in the

Annex;

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

(c) the appropriate percentage of the funds available each year

reserved for new activities;

(d) the arrangements for following up and assessing actions;

(e) any proposal

for a Community allocation exceeding
EUR 200 000 per beneficiary and per year. This threshold
may be reviewed in the light of experience.

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The measures necessary for the implementation of this
3.
Decision concerning all the other matters shall be adopted in
accordance with the advisory procedure referred to in Article
6(3). This procedure shall also apply to the final choice of
technical assistance offices.

The programme shall be open to the participation of
2.
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.

Technical assistance shall be governed by the provisions

4.
adopted pursuant to the Financial Regulation.

The Commission shall give the European Parliament and
5.
the Council regular and timely notice of the implementation of
the programme, in particular the use of the available resources.

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

Article 6

Committee

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, having regard to
Article 8 thereof.

The period laid down in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC
shall be set at two months.

3. Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 3 and
7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply, having regard to
Article 8 thereof.

4.
The opening-up of the programme to the European third
countries referred to in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 is 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 Council Directive 89/552/EEC.

5.
The programme shall also be open to cooperation with
other third countries on the basis of supplementary appropria-
tions and cost sharing under agreed procedures to be estab-
lished in the agreements 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 9

4.

The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

Monitoring and evaluation

Article 7

Consistency and complementarity

In the implementation of the programme, the Commission
shall,
in close cooperation with the Member States, ensure
general consistency and complementarity with other relevant
Community policies, programmes and actions that impinge
upon the training and audiovisual fields.

The Commission shall also ensure coordination between the
programme and other Community programmes in the field of
initial and continuous training, and with the operation of the
in accordance with the rules of the
European Social Fund,
Fund.

The Commission shall ensure effective liaison between this
programme and programmes and actions in the training and
in the framework of
audiovisual
Community cooperation with non-member countries and the
relevant international organisations.

fields being carried out

Article 8

Opening-up of the programme to third countries

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

The Commission shall ensure that measures taken under
1.
this Decision are subject to prior appraisal, and to subsequent
monitoring and evaluation, taking care to ensure the accessi-
bility of the programme and its transparency.

The beneficiaries selected shall submit an annual report to

2.
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.

The Commission shall submit to the European Parlia-
4.
ment, 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 impact on employment.

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

5.
On completion of the programme, the Commission shall
submit 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, in particular, give an account of
the added value created by the Community's financial support,
its possible impact on employment, and the coordinating
measures referred to in Articles 3 and 7.

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Article 10

Entry into force

This Decision shall enter into force on 1 January 2001.

Done at Brussels, 19 January 2001.

For the European Parliament

The President

N. FONTAINE

For the Council

The President

B. RINGHOLM

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1.

MEASURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED

ANNEX

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:

— new technologies including the conservation and enhancement of the European film and audiovisual heritage;

— economic, financial and commercial management, including the legal framework, distribution and marketing;

— script-writing techniques and the development of new programme types.

Training activities will take account of the legal framework in the area of intellectual property rights, in particular
the relevant Community rules.

Professionals from the audiovisual industry and from radio will have access to the relevant training activities.

The programme will encourage cooperation on the proposed measures between the various players in the
audiovisual industry, such as script-writers, directors and producers, with a view to improving the quality and
commercial potential of projects by means of closer cooperation between the various groups of professionals.

1.1.

Training in 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 including
post-production techniques facilitating the transnational movement of European works.

The measures proposed are as follows:

— promoting the development and updating of the modules for training in the new audiovisual technologies, in

parallel to the measures being taken by the Member States;

— networking the training courses, promoting exchanges of trainers and professionals by awarding grants,
organising work experience in undertakings in other Member States, and contributing to the training of
trainers, through distance learning, and by promoting exchanges and partnerships involving countries and
regions with a low audiovisual production capacity and/or a restricted linguistic or geographical 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,
measures being taken by the Member States and emphasising the European dimension;

in parallel to the

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

1.3.

Script-writing techniques

This training is aimed at experienced script writers and directors in order to improve their ability to develop
techniques based on both conventional and interactive script-writing and storytelling methods for 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 aimed at quality productions; relations between the
script-writer, the director, the producer and the distributor;

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

1.4. Networks of training courses

The objective is to encourage recipients of support under the programme to step up coordination of their activities
in continuous training in order to establish European networks.

1.5.

Initial vocational training activities

As an exception support may be provided for activities in some fields of initial vocational training where no other
Community or national funding is on offer, including master's degrees in which there is a link with 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 reflects adequately Europe's cultural diversity.

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

The Commission will ensure that the designers of training modules take all steps with a view to respecting the
principle set out in Article 4(2), and, if specific reasons justify departing from this principle, that Community added
value is ensured.

It will ensure that establishments provide linguistic facilities, in particular in the area of script-writing techniques.

It will facilitate the participation of trainees, particularly from countries and regions with a low audiovisual
production capacity and/or a restricted linguistic or 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 percentage may be raised to 60 % for training
activities in countries or regions with a low audiovisual production capacity and/or a restricted linguistic or
geographical area.

As a general rule, Community financial assistance granted for projects under the programme may cover a
maximum period of three years, subject to a periodic review of progress achieved.

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

In accordance with the rules for Community funding, and pursuant to 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 establishments will be selected by calls for proposals.

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

2.3.

Implementation

2.3.1. The Commission, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 6, will implement the programme. It will
call upon consultants and technical assistance offices to be selected, after a call for proposals, on the basis of their
expertise in the sector, experience acquired in the MEDIA II programme, or other experience acquired in this area.
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 operations with specialised bodies, including
those which have been set up under other European initiatives, such as Audiovisual Eureka, Eurimages and the
European Audiovisual Observatory,
in order to implement joint measures which meet the objectives of the
programme in the field of training. The Commission will make the final selection of the beneficiaries of the
programme and will decide on the financial support to be granted,

in accordance with Article 5.

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It will give grounds for its decisions to applicants for Community support and ensure the transparency of
implementation of the programme.

The beneficiaries will take steps to publicise the Community's support.

In selecting supported activities, the Commission will, in addition to the priorities set out in Article 2(2), take
particular account of the following criteria:

— partnership between training establishments, the professional sector and undertakings;

— the innovatory nature of the measure;

— the multiplier effect of the measure (including utilisable results, e.g. manuals);

— the cost-effectiveness of the measure;

— availability 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 will ensure that it makes use of the skills of
recognised experts in the audiovisual sector in the fields of training, development, production, distribution,
promotion and also management of rights, especially in the new digital environment.

In order to ensure the independence of the consultants and experts whose services it uses, the Commission will lay
down incompatibility provisions in respect of the participation of these groups of persons in the invitations to
submit proposals under the programme.

2.3.2. Through appropriate measures, the Commission will make known the opportunities offered by the programme
and ensure its promotion. The Commission will also provide via the Internet comprehensive information
concerning all support arrangements available under the European Community's policies which are of relevance to
the audiovisual sector.

In particular, the Commission and the Member States will take the necessary measures, by continuing the activities
of the network of MEDIA Desks and Antennae, and by ensuring that the professional skills of the latter are
strengthened,

in order to:

— inform professionals in the audiovisual sector of all support arrangements available to them under European

Community policies;

— 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 with 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.