European strategy
Cinema across the continent
One of the BFI's policy priorities is to work with the UK Government and the European Union to contribute to the development of a strong European audiovisual policy which benefits the UK.
Why this is important
Keeping abreast of European policy developments is a high priority of ours as 80% of the rules and laws affecting the UK film industry are made in Brussels.
Directly and through the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, we offer a UK view on legislation being drawn up by the European Commission, for example, in the following areas:
- Creative content online
- Market access for exporters
- The European agenda for culture
- Media literacy
- State aid
Many of the BFI's activities have a European dimension. At the centre of our European policy work is the co-ordination of the EFADs, the informal network of heads of national film bodies across Europe, and our contribution to the management of the MEDIA Programme.
The UK Film Council (now BFI) helped set up the European Film Agency Research Network (EFARN) that enhances co-operation and exchanges between different European countries related to film industry and market data.
Next steps
- Preparing for new State Aids regime that will run from 2012
- 2010 appointment of the next European Commission and the decision about where responsibility for film lies
- Ensuring that film is included in policies associated with the Lisbon Agenda to enhance European competitiveness and social inclusion
- Exploring the implications of fully reflecting in European policy the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and promotion of Diversity of Culture Expressions.
