D4.1 Set-the-Stage Report on international promotion of European Animation Industry

ANIMA MUNDI brings together thirteen partners from academia and the creative and cultural industries (CCIs) to assess the current state of the European Animation Industry (EAI) within the global audiovisual landscape. The project aims to unlock the potential of European animation by developing evidence-based strategies to strengthen its competitiveness, diversity, and international presence. This deliverable summarises the outcomes of Work Package 4 – Stakeholder Workshops, designed to foster dialogue between academia, policymakers, industry professionals, and creators’ hubs. Five workshops with 43 participants were held between June and September 2025 to discuss the social role of animation, intellectual property (IP) management, audience engagement, and international promotion. Findings reveal a dynamic but structurally constrained ecosystem, where cultural ambition often meets economic challenges. Participants emphasised the importance of equality, diversity, and ethical standards, while identifying funding disparities, fragmented IP management, and limited monetisation opportunities in digital markets. The growing use of AI offers new creative and distribution possibilities but also calls for clear ethical and professional frameworks. Strengthening the European animation sector will require tailored funding, fair creative control, coordinated policies, and closer international cooperation to help it fully express its creative richness and cultural diversity on the global stage.