Ukraine joins MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme

On 11 December, Ukraine joined the Media strand of the Creative Europe programme, which supports the audiovisual sector by funding selected projects related to film development and distribution, online and TV content, and the creation of innovative tools and business models in the audiovisual industry.

Ukrainian organisations can now apply to all relevant calls for proposals under the Media strand of the programme, as well as future ones.

Following Ukraine’s request last year to participate in the MEDIA strand, and after assessing the country’s media legislation, the Commission signed an amendment to the existing association agreement that will allow for Ukraine’s full participation. Until now, Ukraine participated as an associated country in the cultural strand and cross-sectoral strand of the Creative Europe programme, and in some MEDIA actions, such as audience development and film education, European festivals, festivals of networks and fostering media talent and skills.

The agreement was signed in Brussels by European Commission Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, and Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna.

“I strongly believe we need to step up our efforts to support Ukraine and make sure brilliant ideas can become reality, despite the life-altering adversity Ukrainian society is facing,” Henna Virkkunen said. “Joining the European audiovisual ecosystem through the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme will notably help film makers and producers to share their films and stories with a wider EU audience, while contributing to greater solidarity and cooperation.”

The MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme supports the European film and audiovisual industries to develop, distribute and promote European works, taking into account today’s digital environment.

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Press release