28/04/2010

The European Commission yesterday adopted a Green Paper on the future of Creative and Cultural Industries (CCI) in Europe. The document – whose main ideas were partially unveiled at the forum in Barcelona (see news) – hopes to pave the way for a stimulus of the sector, which already employs five million people and represents 2.6% of GDP in Europe.

Androulla Vassiliou, EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, said yesterday: “The CCIs are not only essential for the cultural diversity of our continent, they are also one of our most dynamic economic sectors. They can really help Europe emerge from the crisis”.

According to the Green Paper, in order for this sector to exploit its full potential, it is necessary to:
1) provide adequate resources, i.e. increase business men and women’s capacity for experimentation, innovation and success, facilitate access to financing and the acquisition of an appropriate range of skills;
2) help industries to develop in their local and regional environment as a launch pad for a stronger international presence, by strengthening exchanges and mobility;
3) shift to a creative economy by catalysing the spill-over effects of the industries in a wide range of economic and social contexts.

The Commission invites all interested parties to comment on the issues raised by the Green Paper until July 30, 2010. On the basis of these contributions, the Commission will then formulate practical proposals for helping businesses and creators.