European animation leaders discuss AI and regulations to tackle industry crisis

Delegates from 24 countries met in Barcelona for Animation BCN, discussing strategies to address the "global animation crisis." The event included 90 representatives from various European industry organizations, focusing on issues like AI, media regulations, and co-production. Key recommendations included strengthening media regulations to protect children online, enhancing co-production tools for underfunded children's programming, and promoting ethical AI practices in animation. Participants also emphasized the need for common sustainability standards in production. Building on past commitments, Animation in Europe announced the launch of Anima Mundi, an initiative aimed at improving the European animation ecosystem. The project, funded by the European Commission, will run from 2025 to 2028 and focus on intellectual property and cross-border collaboration.