Audiovisual industry: development, distribution and promotion of works, MEDIA-Plus 2001-2005

The European Parliament, in its first reading, adopted a resolution drafted by Ruth HIERONYMI (EPP/ED, Germany) amending the Commission's original proposal on the MEDIA Plus programme. The main amendments are as follows: -Article 151 is added to the existing legal base. Member States are called upon at the forthcoming IGC to incorporate the culture and audiovisual industries expressly in Article 151 of the Treaty. -the financial reference amount for the implementation of the programme is increased from EUR 350 million to EUR 480 million. -other sources of financing should be sought to finance the programme, including risk capital. -the management procedure rather than the advisory procedure will apply. -the Commission is required to implement pilot projects particularly in certain specified areas, and the Commission's original proposals on this are deleted. -the emphasis on support for European cinema is increased.�