03-02-2021

UNIC policy update 03/02/2021

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    COVID -19: Cultural and Creative Sectors

    22/01:  A welcome budgetary increase for Creative Europe/Media, an essential programme for the recovery and sustainability of the European film and Audiovisual sector in COVID-19 times - UNIC

    Our eco-system has been rightfully recognised as one of the hardest hit by the pandemic and health & safety precautionary measures implemented by national governments. It is therefore crucial that the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe Programme has the means to support the film and audiovisual sector in getting back on its feet, for the sake of its authors, talents, companies, workers, audiences and European citizens alike.

    27/01: COVID-19 crisis will have ‘massive and lasting’ impact on Europe’s culture sector, says report – The Parliament Magazine

    The study on the state of the cultural and creative industries (CCIs) in Europe also says that the industry can be “one of the drivers to help boost and revamp” the EU economy.

    28/01: UNIC calls for ongoing support for European cinemas to overcome the challenges of COVID - 19 - UNIC

    The International Union of Cinemas (UNIC), the body representing European cinema trade associations and operators, has released preliminary 2020 box office estimates for the territories covered by the organisation.

    COVID-19: EU response

    28/01: State aid: Commission prolongs and further expands Temporary Framework to support economy in context of coronavirus outbreak – European Commission

    The European Commission has decided to prolong until 31 December 2021 the State aid Temporary Framework adopted on 19 March 2020 to support the economy in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission has also decided to expand the scope of the Temporary Framework by increasing the ceilings set out in it and by allowing the conversion of certain repayable instruments into direct grants until the end of next year.

    27/01: European Commission successfully places first EU SURE bond in 2021 - European Commission 

    The European Commission has issued a €14 billion social bond under the EU SURE instrument to help protect jobs and people in work. The issuing consisted of two bonds, with €10 billion due for repayment in June 2028 and €4 billion due for repayment in November 2050.

    25/01: Recovery and Resilience Facility: Commission updates guidance for recovery and resilience plans - European Commission 

    Following the political agreement on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) reached in December, the Commission has presented updated guidance to Member States on the preparation and presentation of recovery and resilience plans.

    19/01: MEPs adopt Technical Support Instrument to speed up post-COVID-19 recovery – European Parliament

    The Technical Support Instrument will help EU countries prepare the recovery plans needed to access funding from the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

    Portuguese Presidency

    28/01: Presentation of Portuguese priorities in CULT Committee – European Parliament

    On 26 January 2021 during its morning remote meeting session the CULT Committee Members welcomed the Presentation of the priorities of the upcoming Portuguese Presidency.

    Poland

    1/02: Polish Film Institute to Spend 26.5 m EUR on COVID-19 Aid for Cinema Industry – Film New Europe

    The Polish Film Institute will start accepting applications for their next batch of aid for producers, distributors, and studio/small cinemas on 1 February 2021.

    Events:

    8 -11 February: European Parliament Plenary

    11 February: High Level Conference on topic “The changing face of Intellectual Property in the Digital Transition era” – INPI

    11 February: EAO Online conference on the Digital Services Act package

    15 February: Eurogroup meeting

    24 & 25 February: CULT Meeting