EU-Korea Protocol on Cultural Cooperation

The EU-Korea Protocol on Cultural Cooperation was concluded in 2009 within the framework of the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement, and has been in full application since 13 December 2015. The Protocol sets a framework within which the two Parties shall cooperate to facilitate exchange in cultural activities, goods and services, including in the audio-visual sector, and to improve the conditions governing such exchanges. Under the Protocol, the EU and Korea have established a Committee on Cultural Cooperation to oversee its implementation. The Committee is composed of senior officials from within the administrations of each Party who have expertise and experience in cultural matters and practices. Meetings are held once a year in the EU and Korea alternately, and have involved study visits to creative hubs and museums. The main provision of the Protocol deals with audio-visual co-productions. The EU and Korea, in conformity with their respective legislation, have agreed to grant an entitlement for EU-Korea audio-visual co-productions to benefit from their respective schemes for the promotion of local/regional cultural content. This entitlement was extended during the reporting period, from July 2017 until June 2020 as approved by the Council. The European Commission have promoted and disseminated information about the Protocol at professional events, including film festivals.