The European Commission (EC) lifted the suspension for the participation of the Montenegrin cultural sector in MEDIA and the cross-sectoral part of the Creative Europe program, respecting the compliance of media legislation with EU (European Union) directives in the field of audiovisual media services, the Ministry of Culture and Media (MKM) announced today. .
"The decision of the European Commission followed after the Parliament of Montenegro adopted the Law on Audio-Visual Media Services on June 7, 2024, which is harmonized with EU Directive 2018/1808 on AVM services, which was confirmed by the positive opinion of the competent authorities of the European Commission". it is emphasized in the statement of the MKM.
Minister of Culture and Media Tamara Vujović pointed out that with the decision to lift the temporary suspension, the Montenegrin audiovisual sector got a new opportunity to apply for non-refundable grants for projects implemented in cooperation with partners from all countries participating in the Creative Europe program through open calls for tenders within the MEDIA subprogram. .
"We remind you that we previously announced that the suspension of the participation of the Montenegrin cultural sector in the MEDIA program and the intersectoral part of Creative Europe will be lifted as soon as we adopt the media laws. We were ready to suffer the consequences for a few months, believing that this period would enable the achievement of optimal legal solutions. Our commitment this process confirms our determination to improve the legislative framework and ensure a long-term return to these important programs for the cultural sector of Montenegro," Vujović pointed out.
MKM said that they and the Film Center of Montenegro, as the national coordinator of the MEDIA program, will make additional efforts in the coming period to present and bring to the attention of the Montenegrin sector the numerous potentials of the competition within which the European Union allocates significant funds to support projects in the audiovisual field.
"The Creative Europe program is the most important fund with which the European Union supports the cultural sector, providing the opportunity for non-refundable financial grants, networking and mobility of actors, capacity building, exchange and implementation of programs. We invite the Montenegrin cultural, creative and audiovisual sector, through the Ministry of Culture and Media and the Film Center "Montenegro monitors the opportunities that all three sub-programs - MEDIA, Culture and intersectoral - provide for the realization of their projects and programs, and in this way contribute to greater visibility and competitiveness of all involved areas," concludes the statement of the Ministry of Education and Culture.
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