Euro creatives want place in EU
Trade orgs worried constitution drafts overlook their role
Trade orgs the European Film Companies Alliance (EFCA) and the Independent Music Cos. Assn. (IMPALA) are worried that current drafts overlook their crucial role, which could be bad for Europe's cultural policies.
The EU is drafting a new constitution to accommodate 10 new member countries from central and eastern Europe, due to join in 2004. This will bring the number of members to 25.
"There is a definite role for the EU above and beyond national and regional competencies, to encourage and support a thriving creative sector in the EU," said Rasmus Ramstad, chairman of EFCA. "We want our industries to be recognized by the future EU to both strengthen their competitiveness and ensure the development of cultural expression in its diversity."
EFCA represents production, distribution and exhibition companies including Pathe, StudioCanal, UGC and CLT-Ufa. IMPALA stands up for more than 1,800 music companies. Orgs say Europe's film and music industries employ more than 1.5 million people.
