Romania

European Commission: Romanian Film Support Scheme Approved

IRIS 2011-2:1/5

Eugen Cojocariu

Radio Romania International

On 14 December 2010, the European Commission approved under EU State aid rules a Romanian scheme to support the development of the film industry, culture and cinematographic education in the amount of EUR 80.68 million (RON 347 million; see IRIS 2006-3/35).

The Romanian support scheme provides for interest-free loans and non-reimbursable grants for the production of Romanian films or films made with Romanian participation and was considered in line with the State aid assessment criteria laid down in the Commission's Cinema Communication and lastly extended until 31 December 2012 (see IRIS 2009-3/3). These criteria had previously been extended in 2004 and 2007 (see IRIS 2007-7/4 and IRIS 2004-4/6).

The main financing bodies in the field of culture in Romania are the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, the Administration of the National Cultural Fund, the National Cinema Council and several local authorities.

The Romanian authorities plan to run the scheme until 31 December 2014.