Text tabled : A7-0366/2011

  Juozas Imbrasas (EFD), in writing. − (LT) This issue was debated broadly at the Dijon Film Forum attended by prominent figures from European cinema, politicians and representatives from the European Commission who made it happen. There were discussions on how to stress and support the digitisation of cinemas in the digital age, because other cinema markets that compete with the European film industry, such as the US cinema market, may take advantage of it. It is very important for the accent on support to have safeguards (in the next stage following the adoption of this document), so that the potential of European films and their distribution grows with it (for example, a certain quota of support for digitisation for cinemas only showing European cinema, and so on). This document would thus strengthen the European cinema industry and make it more competitive. It is very important for measures and support for digitisation to promote not just the technical process but for there to be an emphasis on who should receive this assistance. In my opinion, assistance must be allocated to European content, quantity, quality, diversity and multi-dimensional distribution. I am pleased that this document is aimed at supporting and sustaining European cinema in its richness as well as granting the widest possible access to citizens in the name of unity and freedom of thought.