Here, in brief, are the association's proposals for additions or modifications to existing film policies: broadening of the target clientele of Telefilm Canada's National Training Program in the Film and Video Sector so as to include financial assistance for the continuous training of audio professionals under that program; financial assistance to audio service companies for the purchase of infrastructures that permit upgrading to new technologies; a measure guaranteeing funding for postproduction; a measure obliging producers to e ...[+++]mploy accredited audio post production services; tax credit on labour for service companies in the case of low-budget projects; introduction of relevant financial indicators.

Financial services cover intermediary and auxiliary services, except insurance and pension fund services, usually provided by banks or other financial corporations.

The Financial Services Action Plan and the Action Plan for Company Law and Corporate Governance already provide an effective EU framework to deal with the financial services issues raised by the recent scandals.

The Commission’s Communication recommends timely and effective implementation of the Financial Services Action Plan (see IP/04/696) and the Action Plan for Company Law and Corporate Governance (see IP/03/716) which provide an effective EU framework for dealing with most of the financial issues raised by the recent scandals, as well as strict control of the application of legislation.

It stresses the importance of adoption by the EU of high quality international accounting standards, as well as their recognition by other jurisdictions; emphasises that clearing and settlement, improving the legal framework for retail payments, reducing obstacles to electronic financial services, the UCITS directive and the integration of upstream market functions in general are areas of particular importance for financial market integration; notes that general consumer protection, private law, competition policy and taxation are key areas for the competent Community and national bodies to consider in relation to financial services ...[+++] aspects; invites the Commission to take full account of the FSC report and where appropriate specify timelines for the initiatives proposed in the report in its further work to develop the EU financial services market after the Financial Services Action Plan; and considers that it is important to continue to improve corporate governance, audit and accounting standards, and the reform of European company law.

- noted that the EEA Joint Committee had since the last meeting of the EEA Council, adopted 83 decisions incorporating into the EEA Agreement Community legislation related, inter alia, to technical regulations and standards, rules of origin, statistics, social security, transport, competition, state aid, financial services, telecommunications, energy, labour law, consumer protection and the environment; the EEA Council also welcomed the foreseen continued cooperation in Research and Development under the 5th ...[+++]Framework Program as well as on the Karolus Program, Altener II and the European Voluntary Service;