Audiovisual industry: training programme for professionals, MEDIA-Training 2001-2005

The European Parliament, in its first reading, adopted a resolution drafted by Ruth HIERONYMI (EPP/ED, Germany) on the Media-Training programme. Several amendments were made to the proposal, the main ones being: -continuous vocational training is emphasised rather than giving professionals necessary skills to take advantage of the market and new technology. -initial training measures such as masters' degrees should, by way of exception, be supported by means of additional funding, but the European Social Fund should be the primary source of funding these courses. -the financial framework is increased from EUR 50 million to EUR 70 million. -the provisions for an advisory committee have been replaced by those for a management committee. -in order to ensure the independence of the consultants and experts whose services it uses, the Commission is required to lay down incompatibility provisions in respect of the participation of these groups of persons in the invitations to submit proposals under the programme. -professionals must be informed of all support arrangements available under Union policies.�