Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

30.1.2001 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 29 E/267

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) ( [1] )

(2001/C 531 E/15)

(Text with EEA relevance)

COM(2000) 579 final �1999/0275(COD)

(Submitted by the Commission pursuant to Article 250(2) of the EC Treaty on 22 September 2000)

( [1] ) OJ C 150 E, 30.5.2000, p. 59.

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE Unchanged
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,

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social
Committee,

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions,

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.

C 29 E/268 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 30.1.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

(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 ( [1] ).

(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 ( [2] ).

(6) The Commission’s public consultation on the Green Paper
confirmed the demand for specialised vocational training
adapted to the needs of the market ( [3] ).

(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 ( [4] ), 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.

(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.

(9) In its report to the European Council on job opportunities
in the information society ( [5] ), the Commission noted that
the new audiovisual services offered a strong potential for
job creation.

___________
( [1] ) COM(1998) 446 final, 14.7.1998.
( [2] ) COM(1997) 623 final, 3.12.1997.
( [3] ) SEC(1998) 1284 final, 29.7.1998.
( [4] ) OJ C 283, 6.10.1999, p. 1.
( [5] ) COM(1998) 590 final.

Unchanged

(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.

Unchanged

30.1.2001 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 29 E/269

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

(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 ( [1] ), and comprising, in particular,
support for training activities to improve the professional
skills of persons working in the audiovisual programme
industry.

(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 ( [2] ), and by Council Decision 95/564/EC ( [3] ).
On the basis of the achievements of that programme,
its continuation should be ensured in the light of the
results obtained.

(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 ( [4] ).

(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 ( [5] ).

(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.

___________
( [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.
( [4] ) COM(1999) 91 final, 16.3.1999.
( [5] ) COM(1999) 167 final.

C 29 E/270 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 30.1.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

(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.

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

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

necessary.

(18) The networking of vocational training centres should be
encouraged in order to facilitate the exchange of
know-how.

(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.

Unchanged

(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.

Unchanged

(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.

Unchanged

30.1.2001 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 29 E/271

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

(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 ( [1] ) 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 ( [2] ).

(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. 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.

___________
( [1] ) OJ L 298, 17.10.1989, p. 23.
( [2] ) 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.

Unchanged

C 29 E/272 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 30.1.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

(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 ( [1] ), for
the budgetary authority during the annual budgetary
procedure.

(27) In accordance with Article 2 of Council Decision
1999/468/EC of 28 June 1999, laying down the
procedures for the exercise of implementing powers
conferred on the Commission, measures for the
implementation of this Decision should be adopted by
use of the advisory procedure provided for in Article 3
of that Decision ( [2] ),

Unchanged

(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 ( [2] ),

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: Unchanged

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, with a view to giving
them the know-how and skills needed to take account of
the European and other markets, in particular in the field of:

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:

___________
( [1] ) OJ C 102, 4.4.1996, p. 4. ___________
( [2] ) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23. ( [2] ) OJ L 184, 17.7.1999, p. 23.

30.1.2001 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 29 E/273

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

�application of the new technologies, and in particular
digital technologies, for the production 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;

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

Certain initial 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
through networking between the partners involved in the
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 between the activities and
the existing training establishments.

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.

�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;

Unchanged

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

programmes.

Unchanged

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.

Unchanged

C 29 E/274 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 30.1.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

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.

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 Unchanged

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, at
least 10 % of the funding available each year is reserved for
new activities.

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 Unchanged
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, in accordance with the procedures referred to in
Article 6(2) and with the rules contained in the Annex.

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;

30.1.2001 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 29 E/275

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

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 Unchanged

1. The Commission shall be assisted by an advisory
committee (�the MEDIA Committee�) composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative
of the Commission.

2. Where reference is made to this paragraph, the advisory
procedure laid down in Article 3 of Decision 1999/468/EC
shall apply, in compliance with the provisions of Article 7(3)
and Article 8 thereof.

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 Unchanged

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.

C 29 E/276 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 30.1.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

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, 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.

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 Unchanged

1. The Commission shall ensure that measures taken under
this Decision are subject to prior appraisal, and to subsequent
monitoring and evaluation.

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 Unchanged
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 Unchanged
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
report on the implementation and results of the programme.

Article 9

This Decision shall enter into force on 1 January 2001.

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.

Unchanged

30.1.2001 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 29 E/277

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

ANNEX

1. MEASURES TO BE IMPLEMENTED Unchanged

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.

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 Unchanged

This training aims to develop the ability of professionals to use
advanced creation 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;

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.

Unchanged

C 29 E/278 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 30.1.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

�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 with a
view to improving their ability to develop techniques based on
both conventional and interactive script-writing methods.

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: Unchanged

�promoting the development and updating of the training
modules for identifying target audiences; publication and
development of scripts for an international audience
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

Support may be provided for activities in some fields of initial
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.

�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;

Unchanged

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 Unchanged

2.1. Approach

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 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.

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.

Unchanged

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INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

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 at least 10 % As far as possible, the Commission will ensure that an approof the funds available each year are allocated to new activities. priate percentage of the funds available annually are allocated to
new activities.

2.3. Implementation Unchanged

2.3.1. The Commission shall implement the programme. To this end, it
may 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.

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.

Unchanged

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;

C 29 E/280 EN Official Journal of the European Communities 30.1.2001

INITIAL PROPOSAL AMENDED PROPOSAL

�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.

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

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:

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.

Unchanged

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.

Unchanged

�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; Unchanged

�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.