Bulgaria invited to participate in MEDIA II
The European Commission has proposed that Bulgaria be allowed to participate in the European Union's Media II programme, in line with the Community drive to involve Central and Eastern European countries in EU programmes as part of the EU's pre-accession strategy. 'The Media II programme aims to strengthen the European audiovisual industry through actions including support for the training of audiovisual professionals, the development of audiovisual projects and encouraging the transnational distribution of European audiovisual product,' explains the Commission. The budget for the programme for 2000 is 66 million euro. However, the maximum amount which Bulgaria may receive from the programme cannot exceed 310,910 euro, its operational contribution to the programme. Cyprus is currently the only candidate country participating in Media II, having brought its audiovisual policy and regulations into alignment with the EU's before joining the programme. Bulgaria has also now achieved a substantial degree of alignment with the EU's audiovisual policy through the adoption of a new broadcasting law and the recent ratification of the Council of Europe Convention and protocol on transfrontier television. In parallel with participating in Media II, Bulgaria plans to continue along this route, focusing on its remaining audiovisual areas which are not yet fully aligned with the EU's policy. Bulgaria will pay an 'entry ticket' type contribution to the programme as soon as it can officially participate. Much of this sum will, however, be financed through the EU's Phare programme. A successor to Media II, 'Media Plus' is currently under discussion in the Council and is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2001.