Impala devises plan for EU music boost.

Indies' trade association pushes for dedicated action plan across EU member states to offer artists and music companies better prospects for growth

European indie group Impala is unveiling its first action plan this week, with an ambitious raft of proposals directed at EU member states to give a boost to music throughout Europe.

Europe's cultural leaders have already acknowledged the role cultural and creative small and medium enterprises (SMEs), such as music companies, have in driving growth, jobs and innovation and have pledged to support them. As yet, however, Impala secretary general Helen Smith and her team believe there is very little in place in terms of practical solutions and plans.

Accordingly, the organisation - the only pan-European one dedicated to music and cultural SMEs - has devised its own action plan that it presented to EC commissioner for education, training, culture and youth Jan Figel yesterday (Sunday) at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes. Figel is there to attend Midem.

Smith says the plan is based on three key principles which underpin the ability of music companies to prosper and grow throughout Europe. These are financial viability and independence; a proper functioning digital market in Europe; and market access to allow SMEs to compete.

The move coincides with a recent initiative - the so-called Open Method of Coordination - that will see EU member states and their cultural ministers discuss their policies for the creative sectors at a national level.

Thus, it is hoped European countries with more progressive or supportive laws that apply to their own cultural and creative sectors will have a positive effect on less enlightened regimes.