Press Release: State aid: Commission authorises €212 million German film support scheme

The European Commission approved under EC Treaty state aid rules a €212 million German film support scheme until 31 December 2013. The scheme covers measures such as script writing, film production, distribution and exhibition. The Commission found that the scheme is compatible with the cultural and sectoral derogations of the EC Treaty (Article 87.3.d and Article 87.3.c), in line with the Cinema Communication rules concerning aid to film production. In particular, the aid to cinemas has been approved on economic and social grounds, particularly for smaller cinemas.