Press Release: State aid: Commission authorises €116 million Finnish film support scheme

The European Commission approved under EC Treaty state aid rules a €116 million Finnish film support scheme until 31 December 2013. The scheme covers all of Finland's film support measures including film development, production, distribution and exhibition, particularly in rural Finland. The Commission found that the scheme is compatible with the cultural and sectoral derogations of the EC Treaty, 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 in small, remote communities.