AUDIOVISUAL POLICY: EU SEEKING TO SELL ITS DIGITAL TELEVISION STANDARD TO BRAZIL.

• Position: Brief Article

The European delegation presented its offer to leading Brazilian government ministers who are also due to consider rival bids from Japan and the United States. "This is not a marketing tour but (a trip) designed to strengthen our relations as partners", said the European Commissioner. She has offered Brazil a seat on the European system's management committee, the Global DVB-T Forum, funds amounting to as much as euro 400 million to adapt the Brazilian system, and the reinvestment up to 100% of royalties in research/development. The EU had previously offered euro 300 million and the reinvestment of 50% of royalties.

Brazil's Communications Minister Helio Costa has nevertheless expressed reservations regarding the European system. He nevertheless describes the proposal as satisfactory, indicating that it closely mirrors the bid from Japan which has offered euro 300 million funding and exemption from payment of royalties, and that "differences are entirely technical".

"We have some concerns as to the...