Press Release: 4th “Border Breakers” Awards: a prize to encourage mobility of artists in Europe

Europe's border breaking success stories in the field of music will be recognized and celebrated at a ceremony due to take place in Cannes on 21 January 2007. On the opening day of the international music festival Midem, ten European bands and solo artists along with their record companies, authors and publishers will be awarded this year's European Border Breakers Awards which pay tribute to the entire process of musical creation. With this award, the European Commission, in partnership with the European music industry and MTV, wishes to celebrate and promote the richness and diversity of European music. It also aims to raise young people's awareness about the importance of breaking geographical and mental barriers in such fundamental matters as creativity and the dialogue between cultures.