Investing in thought

As part of the procedures leading to the completion of the 2014-20 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) developed some time ago and addressed to all fields that fall within the province of the Community, a few days ago a set of proposals were presented in the areas of cultural creativity (Creative Europe) and studying abroad (Erasmus for All). Targeted funding. Cinema, television, music, performing arts, cultural heritage are just some of the areas which the EU is planning to finance according to the multiannual budget proposals the Commission is defining in the present stage (the Commission is tasked with advancing proposals due to be jointly debated, prior to adoption, by Parliament and Council). With a proposed budget of €1.8 billion for the period 2014-2020 the program Creative Europe would provide a major boost for the cultural and creative industries, which are a major source of jobs and growth in Europe. “The new programme would allocate more than €900 million in support of the cinema and audiovisual sector (area covered by current MEDIA programme) and almost € 500 million for culture. “The Commission – said Androulla Vassiliou, Androulla Vassiliou, Commissioner for Education, Culture Multilingualism and Youth – is proposing to allocate more than €210 million for a new financial guarantee facility, which would enable small operators to access up to €1 billion in bank loans”.Cultural diversity. “This investment”, continued the Commissioner, “will help tens of thousands of culture and audiovisual professionals to make the most of the Single Market and to reach new audiences in Europe and beyond”; without this support, “it would be difficult or impossible for them to break into new markets”. “Creative Europe” also promotes cultural and linguistic diversity. Commission’s Creative Europe proposal would enable 300 000 artists and cultural professionals and their work to receive funding to reach new audiences beyond their home countries; “more than 1 000 European films would receive distribution support, enabling them to be seen by audiences throughout Europe and the world”; “At least 2 500 European cinemas would receive funding enabling them to ensure that at least 50% of the films they screen are European”. Also books and other literary works would receive support for translation, along with cultural organizations and professionals.Erasmus for all. The EU Commission proposals for the Multi-year post-2014 budget are important since they provide an idea of the investments that the EU intends to carry out in the coming years with the EU budget (on November 30 the Commission will unveil the budget priorities for research). In this framework, “up to 5 million people, almost twice as many as now, could get the chance to study or train abroad with a grant from Erasmus for All”, the new EU program for education, training, youth and sport, among them would be higher education and vocational students, including Master programs. The seven-year Erasmus for All program, which would have a total budget of €19 billion, is due to start in 2014. “Investing in education and training is the best investment we can make for Europe’s future. Studying abroad boosts people’s skills, personal development and adaptability, and makes them more employable”, Vassiliou said. Crossing borders. The Erasmus for All proposal would cover various areas of knowledge. Accordingly, it would allow 2.2 million higher education students to receive grants to spend part of their education and training abroad (compared to 1.5 million under the previous Multiyear 2007-2013 program). In addition, 735 000 vocational students would be able to spend part of their education and training abroad (compared to 350 000 under the current program). The program would also provide funding to one million teachers, trainers and youth workers to teach or train abroad (compared to 600 000 under current programs). 700 000 young people would go on traineeships in companies abroad (compared to 600 000 under the current program) Master’s degree students would benefit from loan guarantees as well as youth wishing to volunteer abroad or participate in youth exchanges. Also institutions/organizations involved in education, training and/or youth activities or other bodies would get funding under the program.