The European Commission at Berlinale 2025

As in previous years, the European Commission will once again be present both at the festival and at the European Film Market that takes place at the same time.

One of the biggest film festivals in the world, the Berlinale is an important annual gathering for the public and film and media industry. Besides being a key cultural event, it also an important moment for the industry to meet and exchange on trends in the sector. Keep reading to learn more about the European Commission’s activities.

Media consumption habits of young people in Europe

Date: Saturday 15 February (14h45-16h00)
Venue: Event Hall at Documentation Centre for Displacement, Expulsion, Reconciliation

Last year’s session, presented by the European Commission, explored to what extent European players, including broadcasters and producers, could take advantage of the market opportunities for European content to find audiences across Europe.

For 2025, in a session hosted by the European Commission, the preliminary results of an EU wide consumer survey on media consumption habits will be unveiled for the first time. The session will focus on the media habits of young people and delve into the implication of these habits for the competitiveness of the EU audiovisual industry, as well as the outlook for cultural diversity in European media.

Following an introduction by the European Commission, an expert panel will share their valuable insights.

Introduction to the MEDIA Carbon Calculator

On Thursday 13 February and Friday 14 February, the MEDIA Carbon Calculator will be showcased at the European Film Market. In short 20 to 30 minute sessions, the upcoming calculator will be presented, with project manager Florian Raymond present to share early insights on the new pan European carbon calculator for the audio-visual industry.

Date: Thursday 13 February (16h00, 16h30 and 17h00) and Friday 14 February (14h00, 14h30, 15h00, 15h30, 16h00, 16h30 and 17h00)
Venue: Creative Europe MEDIA stand – Gropius Bau

Creative Europe MEDIA info sessions

Professionals interested in the funding opportunities under the Creative Europe programme are invited to join the information sessions organised by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Sessions will take place in the EFM Gropius Conference Lounge and are open without registration and access is possible without accreditation.

• Monday 17 February at 09h30: European Festivals
• Monday 17 February at 10h30: Audience Development & Film Education
• Monday 17 February at 11h30: European mini-slate development & European co-development
• Monday 17 February at 12h30: Skills and Talent Development
• Venue: EFM Conference Lounge – Gropius Pavilion

Financing Opportunities for audiovisual and creative businesses

How can InvestEU instruments benefit film and creative projects? Join us for a session on how InvestEU can support the cultural and creative sectors through targeted financing tools. Discuss with financiers, investors and experts from the European Investment Fund to find out about Cultural and Creative Guarantee & Equity Financing backed by MediaInvest.

Date: Tuesday 18 February (10h00-12h00)
Venue: Representation of European Commission Berlin, Unter den Linden 78, 10117 Berlin

Initiatives supported by the European Commission

‘AI and its Impact on Democracy and the Creative Industry’ Lux Award open conference organised by the European Parliament on Friday 14 February (15h30-18h30).
Berlinale Co-Production Market: a five-day event for around 600 international producers, sales agents, distributors as well as broadcasting and funding representatives who are active in international co-productions. Supported through a MEDIA 360° grant of € 3,738,375 over three years.
Berlinale Talents: A talent development programme which explores the how and why of movie making. Supported through the same MEDIA 360° grant of € 3,738,375 over three years.
Shooting Stars: Ten promising young actors from across Europe have been selected to be part of the Shooting stars, the flagship programme of the European Film Promotion (EFP). Supported by Creative Europe MEDIA and others with €555,400 in funding via the Markets & Networking support scheme.

EU-supported films shortlisted for awards

Berlinale audiences will be able to enjoy a full programme of live screenings and premieres of a wide arrange of films. This year, 14 films supported by the EU will be presented at the festival, some of them in the running for renowned Berlinale prizes including the Golden Bear for best film. The titles below were supported through the Creative Europe MEDIA programme for their development and/ or distribution or co-production.

More information European Commission.