Finland

European Commission: Finnish Film Support Scheme Approved

IRIS 2008-10:1/36

Anne Yliniva-Hoffmann

Institute of European Media Law (EMR), Saarbrücken/Brussels

In its decision of 26 November 2008, the European Commission gave its approval until 31 December 2013 for the Finnish film support scheme with a total budget of EUR 116 million.

The aim of the scheme is to support the development, production, distribution and exhibition of Finnish films. Especially (arthouse) cinemas in remote rural areas are said to be under considerable financial pressure and face closure without state support. The aim of the scheme, which is to promote high quality, diverse and original Finnish film production, is to be achieved inter alia by promoting exports and holding film festivals.

The Commission considers the scheme to be compatible with the state aid rules for supporting film production contained in the 2001 Cinema Communication and with the rules for the promotion of culture and certain economic sectors and areas under Article 87(3)(c) and (d) EC.