But the fight is not over as EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht, who has opposed the cultural exception said that despite the decision he would be free to raise the issue again with European governments after sounding out U.S. officials on it.
The trade talks are on the agenda of the G8 Summitt taking place today and tomorrow. Over 7,000 European filmmakers signed a petition in support of the exclusion of culture and the audiovisual sector from the trade talks. Filmmakers from Central and Eastern Europe have been key allies in the battle as the region would be one of the hardest hit if the cultural exception is bargained away in the talks. Thousands of jobs in the industry could be at stake.
A delegation of filmmakers including Polish director and producer, Dariusz Jablonski and Romanian directors Radu Mihaileanu and Cristian Mungiu met with European Commission President José-Manuel Barroso last week but Barroso refused to back the filmmakers.
Dariusz Jablonski, "This is great day for the European film community that we were able to make our politicians hear us. We thank especially France for their strong defense of culture in all of our countries. I know from that Poland and Hungary gave France strong support in this battle. We still have to be ready to express and defend our position. On behalf of those leading the protest I want to thank all those who signed the petition."
