The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a German scheme to support the production of feature films and television series. The support will take the form of direct grants.
The scheme, with an estimated total budget of €150 million, will run until 31 December 2023. The Commission assessed the scheme under Article 107(3)(d) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the Cinema Communication, which sets out the compatibility requirements for aid in favour of cinematographic and audiovisual works.
The Commission found that the scheme complies with the Cinema Communication, notably as it supports cultural works only, is not channelled towards specific production costs and respects the limits regarding the aid intensity. The Commission concluded that the measure contributes to the promotion of culture without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under case number SA.100474 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.