REPORT on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision on establishing a single financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation (Culture 2000 programme) (COM(98)266 - C4-0335/98 - 98/0169(COD))

21 October 1998

Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media
Rapporteur: Mrs Mouskouri

By letter of 28 May 1998 the Commission submitted to Parliament, pursuant to Article 189b(2) and Article 128 of the EC Treaty, the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision on establishing a single financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation (Culture 2000 programme).
A LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL - DRAFT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION
B EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
OPINION
ANNEX
ANNEX

By letter of 28 May 1998 the Commission submitted to Parliament, pursuant to Article 189b(2) and Article 128 of the EC Treaty, the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision on establishing a single financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation (Culture 2000 programme).

At the sitting of 15 June 1998 the President of Parliament announced that he had referred this proposal to the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media as the committee responsible and the Committee on Budgets for its opinion.

At its meeting of 23 June 1998 the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media appointed Mrs Mouskouri rapporteur.

At its meeting of 4 February 1998 it decided, pursuant to Rule 45(2), to include in its report the following motions for resolutions:

- B4-1023/97 by Mr Morán López on recognition of the Sephardic cultural heritage, referred on 13 January 1998 to the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media as the committee responsible;

- B4-1024/97 by Mrs Dührkop Dührkop and Mr Sanz Fernández on recognition of the Sephardic cultural heritage, referred on 13 January 1998 to the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media as the committee responsible .

It considered the Commission proposal and the draft report at its meetings of 21 July, 23 September and 12 and 13 October 1998.

At the last meeting it adopted the draft legislative resolution unanimously.

The following took part in the vote: Pex, chairman; Hawlicek, vice-chairman; Mouskouri, rapporteur; Colombo Svevo (for Escudero), De Coene, De Esteban Martin (for Fontaine), Elchlepp (for Evans), Gröner, Guinebertière, Günther (for Fontana), Heinisch, Kuhne, Matikainen-Kallström (for Ligabue), Pack, Perry, Pomés Ruiz (for Banotti, pursuant to Rule 138(2)), Ryynänen, Sanz Fernandez and Todini (for Vaz da Silva).

The opinion of the Committee on Budgets is attached.

The report was tabled on 21 October 1998.

The deadline for tabling amendments will be indicated in the draft agenda for the relevant partsession.

A LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL - DRAFT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision on establishing a single financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation (Culture 2000 programme) (COM(98)266 - C40335/98 - 98/0169(COD))

This proposal is approved with the following amendments:

Text proposed by the Commission[1]

Amendments by Parliament

(Amendment 1)

Title of the proposal for a decision

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing a single financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation (Culture 2000 programme)

Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing a single financing and programming instrument for cultural policy (Culture 2000 programme)

(Amendment 2)

Recital 1a (new)

1a. Whereas the fundamental objective of this framework programme is to enshrine the cultural dimension as the heart and driving force of the process of European integration;

(Amendment 3)

Recital 1b (new)

1b. Whereas the framework programme is intended to create conditions for a single market in culture;

(Amendment 4)

Recital 2

(2) Whereas, culture tends to expand beyond its traditional boundaries and into the social and economic spheres; whereas, for that reason, it has an important role to play in meeting the new challenges facing the Community, such as globalization, the information society, social cohesion and the creation of employment;

(2) Whereas, culture is both an economic factor and a factor in social integration and citizenship and an affirmation of identity vis-àvis third parties and whereas, for that reason, it plays an important role in meeting the new challenges facing the Community, such as globalization, the information society, social cohesion and the creation of employment;

(Amendment 5)

Recital 5

5. Whereas the Treaty confers responsibility on the European Union for creating an ever-closer union among the peoples of Europe and for contributing to the flowering of the cultures of the Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore;

Whereas the Treaty confers responsibility on the European Union for creating an ever-closer union among the peoples of Europe and for contributing to the flowering of the cultures of the Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore; whereas special attention must be devoted to safeguarding the position of Europe's small cultures and less widely spoken languages;

(Amendment 6)

Recital 7

Whereas, to bring to life the cultural area common to the European people, it is essential to encourage creative activities, promote cultural heritage with a European dimension, encourage mutual awareness of the culture and history of the peoples of Europe, and support cultural exchanges with a view to improving the dissemination of knowledge and stimulating cooperation and creative activities;

Whereas, to bring to life the cultural area common to the European people, it is essential to encourage creative activities, promote cultural heritage with a European dimension, encourage mutual awareness of the cultures, languages and history of the peoples of Europe, and support cultural exchanges with a view to improving the dissemination of knowledge and stimulating cooperation and creative activities;

(Amendment 7)

Recital 9

(9) Whereas the Kaleidoscope, Ariane and Raphael cultural programmes set out, respectively, in Decision No 719/96/EC of theEuropean Parliament and of the Council ⁽⁵⁾ in Decision No 2085/97/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ⁽⁶⁾ and in Decision No 2228/97/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council ⁽⁷⁾marked the first positive stage in the implementation of Community action on culture; whereas, however, the Community's cultural endeavours must be simplified and reinforced; (5) OJ L 99, 20.4.1996, p. 20.(6) OJ L 291, 24.10.1997, p. 26.(7) OJ L 305, 8.11.1997, p. 31.

(9) Whereas the Kaleidoscope ⁽⁵⁾, Ariane ⁽⁶⁾ and Raphael ⁽⁷⁾ cultural programmes marked the first positive stage in the implementation of Community action on culture; whereas, however, the Community's cultural endeavours, while based on the results of the evaluation and taking over the achievements of the above-mentioned programmes, must be simplified and reinforced; (5) OJ L 99, 20.4.1996, p. 20 (Decision No 719/96/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council) .(6) OJ L 291, 24.10.1997, p. 26 (Decision No 2085/97/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council).(7) OJ L 305, 8.11.1997, p. 31 (Decision No 2228/97/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council).

(Amendment 8)

Recital 10

(10) Whereas, in accordance with the Commission's communication "Agenda 2000", the effectiveness of measures at Community level must be increased, notably by concentrating the resources available for internal policies - including cultural action - in such a way that they are not dissipated on measures which would not be able to make a significant impact; whereas the Community's cultural action must consequently lead to the implementation, within the cultural area common to the European people, of projects with a genuine Community dimension, visible to the people and having a real impact;

(Amendment 9)

Recital 11a (new)

11a. Whereas the Community's cultural activities must take account of the specific nature, and hence the specific needs, of each cultural area;

(Amendment 10)

Recital 13a (new)

13a. Whereas this programme, which seeks to support cultural creative work, preservation of cultural heritage and cultural cooperation at European level, will not be completely effective unless it is accompanied by concrete measures to resolve the problems arising from the existence of obstacles and disparities between Member States in the fiscal, social or intellectual property fields, and whereas an in-depth vertical study should be carried out on each area of cultural production (particularly the music and publishing industries) touching on all the different problems encountered in each sector, particularly the matters of lower taxation for cultural products (including discs and musical instruments) and of strengthening intellectual property rights;

(Amendment 11)

Recital 14

(14) Whereas, in accordance with the subsidiarity and proportionality principles established by Article 3b of the Treaty, the objectives of the action envisaged, namely the setting-up of a single instrument for the financing and programming of cultural cooperation, cannot be adequately attained by the Member States and may therefore, by reason of the scale or effects of the action, be better attained at Community level; whereas this Decision limits itself to the minimum required for the attainment of those objectives and does not go beyond what is necessary to that end;

(14) Whereas, in accordance with the subsidiarity and proportionality principles established by Article 3b of the Treaty, the objectives of the action envisaged, namely the setting-up of a single instrument for the financing and programming of cultural policy, cannot be adequately attained by the Member States and may therefore, by reason of the scale or effects of the action, be better attained at Community level; whereas this Decision limits itself to the minimum required for the attainment of those objectives and does not go beyond what is necessary to that end;

(Amendment 12)

Article 1(b)

(b) creativity, the trans-national dissemination of culture and the movement of artists and their works;

(b) support for creativity, the protection of artists and their rights, the transnational dissemination of culture and artists' works and specific assistance to young creative artists;

(Amendment 13)

Article 1(f)a (new)

fa.improved access to and participation in culture for a wider audience;

(Amendment 14)

Article 1(f)b (new)

fb. explicit recognition of culture as an economic factor and as a factor in social integration and citizenship and the affirmation of identity vis-à-vis the outside world;

(Amendment 15)

Article 2

Types of cultural action The objectives listed in Article 1 shall be achieved by the following means: (a) integrated projects covered by structured, multiannual cultural cooperation agreements; (b) major projects with a European and/or international dimension; (c) specific, innovative and/or experimental projects within the Community and/or in non-member countries. The projects and their implementing measures are described in the Annex.

Types of cultural action.The objectives of this programme referred to in Article 1 and specified in the Annex, in accordance with the specific needs of each cultural sector, shall be implemented by the following activities, whose operational content and implementing procedures are described in the Annex:A. VERTICAL MEASURESActivity 1 - Activity in the field of the performing arts (theatre and dance);Activity 2 - Activity in the field of music;Activity 3 - Activity in the field of plastic, applied and visual arts;Activity 4 - Activity in the field of cultural heritage;Activity 5 - Activity in the field of literature, books and reading;Activity 6 - Activity relating to other forms of artistic expression.B. HORIZONTAL MEASURESActivity 7 - Synergies;Activity 8 - Joint activities.Activity 9 - Measures to support projects of major and/or symbolic importance.

(Amendment 16)

Article 3, first paragraph

The finance for implementing the "Culture 2000" programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 167 million.	The finance for implementing the operational aspects of the "Culture 2000" programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 250 million.
	This amount may be revised, by not more than 20%, in the context of the annual budgetary conciliation procedure.

(Amendment 17)

Article 4

Implementation The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the "Culture 2000" programme. The Commission shall be assisted by an Advisory Committee made up of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. The Commission representative shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft, within a time-limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote.

Implementation and cooperation with the Member StatesThe Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of the Community activities which form part of the 'Culture 2000' programme in accordance with the Annex.It shall consult cultural operators and the relevant organizations in the cultural field acting at European level, and shall inform the Committee referred to in Article 5 of their opinions.The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall take the measures described in the Annex to permit the achievements of the measures carried out under the first generation of cultural programmes, Kaleidoscope, Raphael and Ariane, to be built upon.

The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to request that its position be recorded in the minutes. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinions delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been taken into account.

The Member States shall take the necessary measures to provide coordination, organisation and follow-up at national level for the implementation of this programme, involving all the parties concerned with culture in accordance with national practice;The Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall be responsible for the smooth transition from the activities carried out under the earlier cultural programmes (Kaleidoscope, Ariane, Raphael) to those to be carried out under this programme.

(Amendment 18)

Article 4a (new)

	4a.Committee1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee comprising a representative of the Member States and chaired by the Commission representative. The Committee shall be assisted by a subcommittee comprising a cultural expert or adviser for each Member State for each artistic sector concerned. Each Member State shall submit to the Commission a list of national experts or advisers in each artistic sector (music, theatre and dance, plastic arts, heritage, literature). The Commission shall be responsible for coordination between the committee and the subcommittee.
	2. The Commission representative shall submit to the Committee a project of measures concerning:a. implementing arrangements for the programme;b. selection arrangements and criteria for the various types of activity described in the Annex;c. the financial support which will be provided by the Community (amounts, duration, distribution and recipients);d. arrangements for the monitoring and evaluation of this programme, together with the conclusions of the evaluation reports envisaged in Article 7 and any readjustments to this programme arising therefrom;
	3. The Committee shall issue its opinion on this activity within a time limit which the chairman may set in accordance with the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be adopted by the majority provided for in Article 148(2) of the Treaty for the adoption of the decisions the Council is required to take on a proposal from the Commission. During votes in the Committee, the votes of the Member States' representatives shall be weighted in accordance with the aforementioned article. The chairman shall not take part in the vote.
	4. The Commission may consult the Committee on any other matter relating to the implementation of this programme.In that case, the Commission representative shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall issue its opinion on this draft within a time limit which the chairman may set according to the urgency of the matter, where necessary by taking a vote.The opinion shall be entered in the minutes. Each Member State shall also have the right to ask for its position to be recorded in the minutes.The Commission shall take the utmost account of the Committee's opinion. It shall inform the Committee of the manner in which it has taken account of the opinion.
	The Commission, in accordance with the interinstitutional procedures and agreements, shall inform the Committee, in the context of the financial support provided by the Community, of all the projects it intends to finance under this decision. The European Parliament shall receive the same information from the Commission.

(Amendment 19)

Article 5a (new)

	5a. A. Coherence and complementarityThe Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall be responsible for the overall coherence of this programme with other Community policies and activities.To this end there shall be coordination between the implementation of this programme and other Community cultural activities in the following fields: audiovisual media, education, professional training, youth, completion of the internal market, the information society, the environment, tourism, consumer protection, SMEs, social and regional policies, and employment.
	The Commission shall be responsible for effective liaison between this programme and cultural action programmes in the context of the Community's external relations.The Commission and the Member States shall ensure coherence and complementarity between activities carried out under this programme and Community activities under the structural funds and in application of Article 128(4) of the Treaty.The Commission undertakes to produce, before the end of the year 2000, a recommendation as to how the Structural Funds are to be used in the policy in support of cultural activities.
	B. European cultural contact pointsThe Commission, in cooperation with the Member States, shall organise and strengthen the mutual exchange and dissemination of information useful for the implementation of the 'Culture 2000' programme, particularly by the creation of 'European cultural contact points' at national and regional level, responsible for- promoting the 'Culture 2000' programme,- facilitating access to the programme for, and encouraging participation in its activities by, as many professionals and operators in the cultural field as possible, thanks to a genuine dissemination of information,- ensuring a permanent link with the various support bodies in the Member States with a view to ensuring that activities under this 'Culture 2000' programme complement national support measures,- ensuring contacts and interaction at regional level between operators participating in the framework programme and those participating in other Community programmes.

(Amendment 20)

Article 6

Evaluation During 2002 the Commission shall present to Parliament, the Council and the Committee of the Regions a detailed assessment report on the results of the "Culture 2000" programme, having regard to its objectives, and accompanied if necessary by a proposal for the amendment of this Decision. On completion of the "Culture 2000" programme, the Commission shall present a report on its implementation to the European Parliament, the Council and the Committee of the Regions.	Follow-up and Evaluation1. The Commission, after consulting the Committee, shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions:- no later than 31 December 2002, the detailed interim assessment report on the results of the implementation of this programme, accompanied where necessary by any adjustments to the programme,- no later than 31 December 2005, the ex-post evaluation reportThese reports shall emphasise in particular the creation of added value, particularly of a cultural nature, and the socio-economic consequences of the Community's financial support.
	2. This programme shall be followed up on an ongoing basis by the Commission in cooperation with the Member States.
	3. This programme shall be subjected to regular evaluation by the Commission in cooperation with the Member States. The purpose of this evaluation shall be to assess the effectiveness of measures implemented in relation to the objectives set out in Article 1 of this decision.This evaluation shall also relate to complementarity between measures carried out under this programme and those under other Community programmes, particularly those supported by the Structural Funds
	4. The Member States shall submit to the Commission, no sooner than 31 December 2002 and no later than 30 June 2005, reports on the implementation and impact of this programme.

(Amendment 21)

Annex, title (new)

Activities and implementing measures for the 'Culture 2000' Programme

(Amendment 22)

Annex, opening paragraphs

The aim of the "Culture 2000" programme is to encourage creative activity and the knowledge and dissemination of the culture ofthe European peoples, notably in the field of music, literature, the performing arts, the fixed and movable heritage, and the new forms of cultural expression, by fostering cooperation between cultural organizations and operators and the cultural institutions of the Member States, and by supporting measures which, by their European scope and character, promote the spread of European cultures both inside and outside the Union. The Commission will regularly define the priorities necessary for the implementation of the programme.

The aim of the "Culture 2000" programme is to encourage creative activity and the knowledge and dissemination of the culture ofthe European peoples through a sectoral approach which, by its flexibility, will encourage the realisation of synergies between the field of cultural heritage, the various artistic fields, and new forms of expression. The programme seeks to encourage cooperation at national and regional level between cultural organizations and operators and the cultural institutions of the Member States, to promote the flowering of cultural creation by ensuring the viability of artistic projects, and to support measures which, by their European scope and character, promote the spread of European cultures both inside and outside the Union.

(Amendment 23)

Annex I

	This Annex to read as follows:I. Description of measures:This annex provides for two principal types of measure:A. The first, the vertical measures (1-6) correspond to the sectoral approach taking account of the differing needs of each cultural field, comprising:Activity 1 - Activity in the field of the performing arts (theatre and dance), to receive approximately 9% of the programme's financial package;Activity 2 - Activity in the field of music, to receive approximately 16% of the programme's financial package;Activity 3 - Activity in the field of plastic, applied and visual arts; to receive approximately 7% of the programme's financial packageActivity 4 - Activity in the field of the cultural heritage (RAPHAEL), to receive approximately 35% of the programme's financial package ;Activity 5 - Activity in the field of literature, books and reading (ARIANE), to receive approximately 9% of the programme's financial package;Activity 6 - Activity relating to other forms of artistic expression, to receive approximately 4% of the programme's financial package.
- Co-productions and other large-scale cultural events (e. g. exhibitions, festivals, etc.), especially in the field of live arts, literature and the artistic heritage, making them accessible to the largest possible number of Community citizens; - Cultural events (involving the performing arts, the plastic or visual arts, the artistic heritage, etc.) and tours within the Communityto bring European culture to a wider audience; - Measures involving several different cultural disciplines, for example: - trans-sectoral integrated projects (combining the creative arts, heritage and new technologies, for example) to enhance locations, buildings, sites, events or cultural projects requiring substantial investment; - cultural operations to impart economic momentum, combining all or part of the occupational process from creation and design to the technical or other jobs essential to the completion of such operations; - Measures to develop further training and mobility for those engaged in the cultural pro -fessions (artists, restorers, museum curators, etc.) in both academic and practical terms, including the use of the new technologies; - Measures to highlight to citizens the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage (fixed, movable or intangible), to teach Europeans about their common cultural values and roots, to encourage mutual awareness of each other's culture and history and to promote cultural dialogue (studies and research, information, teaching and the dissemination of knowledge, seminars, congresses and meetings on cultural topics of European importance).	B. The second, the horizontal measures (7, 8 and 9) comprise:- Activity 7: Synergies: trans-sectoral activities, to receive approximately 5% of the programme's financial package.- Activity 8: Joint activities with other Community programmes, to receive approximately 5% of the programme's financial package.- Activity 9: Activity in support of major projects of symbolic importance, to receive approximately 10% of the programme's financial package.The objectives of each of the above-mentioned activities will be implemented, inter alia, by means of two types of measure, described in Annex II As regards support for integrated projects covered by structured cultural cooperation agreements, consideration could be given to proposals that are multi-annual allowing a larger time frame to achieve their objectives.A. Vertical measuresActivity 1 - Activity in the field of the performing arts (theatre and dance);This activity seeks to promote artistic creation in the field of the performing arts, more particularly in the theatre and dance sectors. The specific objectives of this activity are the following:- to develop exchanges and cooperation between the various operators in the performing arts field,- to facilitate the movement of creations, works and artists within Europe,- to develop training and further education methods, particularly by means of greater mobility for teachers and students in this sector,
	- to promote European creations in the performing arts by encouraging activities to promote European works and artists in this field in the rest of the world, and a policy of exchange with and reception of other world cultures;- to encourage initiatives which employ creations in the theatre and dance sectors as a means of social integration.The above-mentioned objectives shall be implemented by means of the following measures:a. support for integrated projects covered by structured cultural cooperation agreements; b. support for specific, innovative and/or experimental projects within the Community and/or in non-member countries.
The Committee referred to in Article 4 having been consulted, the Community grants support for the implementation of "cultural cooperation agreements". This support is intended to cover, in addition to part of the project's financing, the costs entailed by the establishment of lasting multiannual cooperation in a form legally recognized in one of the Member States of the Union. For the agreement to be eligible, operators from at least seven States participating in the "Culture 2000" programme must be involved in the measures covered by the programme. Community support may not exceed 60 % of the cultural cooperation agreement's budget. It may not be less than ECU 200 000 or more than ECU 350 000 a year. This support may be raised by a maximum of 20 % in order to cover the costs of network creation and managing of cooperation agreements.	Activity 2 - Activity in the field of music;This activity seeks to encourage creation and dissemination of European music in Europe and the rest of the world, and in particular :- to develop exchanges and cooperation between the various operators in the musical sector;- to facilitate the movement of creations, works and artists in Europe;- to develop training and further education methods, particularly by means of increased mobility for teachers and students in the musical field;- to promote musical creation at European level by raising public awareness of the various forms of musical expression and facilitating public access to them;- promoting musical creation by encouraging activities to promote European music and repertoires in the world, and a policy of exchange with and reception of other world cultures and creations;- to encourage initiatives which use musical creation as a means of social integration.
	The above-mentioned objectives shall be implemented by means of the following measures:a. Support for integrated projects covered by structured cultural cooperation agreements; b. Support for specific, innovative and/or experimental projects within the Community and/or in non-member countries.
2. Major projects These projects, substantial in scale and in scope, should strike a significant chord with the people of Europe and help to increasetheir sense of belonging to the same community as well as making them aware of the cultural diversity of Europe. These projects include: - the European City of Culture, for which the selection procedure is established in the European Parliament and Council Decisionof . . .; - a European Union cultural festival of the performing arts in the country holding the Presidency of the Union; - the introduction of European Days in certain major international cultural events, so that artists or intellectuals from other MemberStates or countries associated with the "Culture 2000" programme can take part; - enhancement of an event, monument or cultural site which is representative of a common cultural trend, located within the Union,of European importance, of major symbolic value and accessible to the public; -	Activity 3 - Activity in the field of plastic, applied and visual arts;This activity seeks to promote artistic creation in the field of the plastic, applied or visual arts such as painting, sculpture, engraving, architecture, photography and design. Its specific objectives are:- to develop exchanges and cooperation between the various operators in the plastic arts sector;- to facilitate the movement of creations, works and artists in Europe;- to develop training and further education methods, particularly by means of increased mobility for teachers and students in this field;- to promote European creation in the field of the plastic arts by encouraging activities to promote European works and artists in this field in the rest of the world, and a policy of exchange with and reception of other world cultures;- to encourage initiatives which use creation in the plastic, visual and applied arts as a means of social integration.The above-mentioned objectives shall be implemented by means of the following measures:a. Support for integrated projects covered by structured cultural cooperation agreements; b. Support for specific, innovative and/or experimental projects within the Community and/or in non-member countries.
recognition of great artistic talents; - as a result of the cultural dialogue both inside and outside the Community, the organization of a Cultural Forum of the EuropeanUnion; - the broadcasting across frontiers of major events using the new technologies of the information society, including cross-bordertelevision broadcasting of cultural events, such as debates, artistic presentations, art works, etc. (assistance with reception,translation, dubbing, sub-titles, etc.); - the organization of innovative operations pertaining to education, the arts and culture. Community support for such projects may not be less than ECU 200 000 or more than ECU 1 million.	Activity 4 - Activity in the field of the cultural heritage;This activity seeks to encourage cooperation for the protection, conservation and enhancement of the European cultural heritage.This activity covers in particular the movable and immoveable heritage (museums and collections, libraries, archives, including photographic, film and sound archives), the archaeological and underwater heritage, the architectural heritage, groups of cultural objects and sites, and cultural landscapes (groups of cultural and natural objects).More particularly, the specific objectives of this activity are the following: - to encourage the conservation and restoration of the European cultural heritage by aid to development, restoration and promotion;- to encourage the development of transnational cooperation between institutions and/or operators in the field of the cultural heritage,so as to help pool know-how and develop the best possible practices in the field of heritage conservation;- to improve access to the cultural heritage in its European dimension and encourage the active participation of the public at large, particularly children, young people, under-privileged persons and people living in the EU's rural or peripheral areas;- to encourage mobility and further training of professionals in the field of cultural heritage;- to encourage transnational cooperation for the development of new technologies and innovative measures in various heritage sectors and in the conservation of traditional trades and techniques;
	- to take the heritage dimension into consideration in other Community programmes or policies;- to encourage cooperation with third countries and with the relevant international organisations;The above-mentioned objectives shall be implemented by means of the following measures:a. Support for integrated projects covered by structured cultural cooperation agreements; b. Support for specific, innovative and/or experimental projects within the Community and/or in non-member countries.
3. Specific projects Each year the Community will support cooperation projects originating with cultural operators from different Member States on the basis of priorities defined after consultation of the Committee referred to in Article 4 of this Decision. These projects, which must involve at least four Member States, must be innovative and experimental and have the following main aims: - to encourage the emergence and spread, alongside culture in the classic sense, of new forms of cultural expression (nature, solidarity, science, peace, etc.); - to facilitate access to culture and wider cultural participation by the people of Europe, in all their social and regional diversity, including the most underprivileged, and especially young people; - to support the creation of multimedia tools, tailored to meet the needs of different publics, and thus make European artistic creation and heritage more visible and more accessible to all;	Activity 5 - Activity in the field of literature, books, reading and translation.The specific objectives of this activity are:- to promote books and reading, particularly among young people, children and the under-privileged;- to encourage cooperation among the Member States in the field of books, reading and translation;- to support and complement their activities in this field by contributing to the flowering of their cultures while respecting their national and regional diversity;- to increase the knowledge and dissemination of literary creations and the history of the peoples of Europe through aid for the translation of literary, dramatic and reference works (especially those in the lesser-used European languages and the languages of Eastern European countries) and for the further training of professionals working in the sector;
- to encourage initiatives, discussions and cooperation between cultural and socio-cultural operators working in the field of social integration, especially that of young people; - to promote the profile of European cultures in third countries, in particular encouraging cooperation between institutes and/or cultural services from the Member States with a presence in third countries, on themes which are of European interest. Community support for specific measures may not be less than ECU 50 000 or more than ECU 100 000.	The above-mentioned objectives shall be implemented, inter alia, by means of the following measures:a. Support for integrated projects covered by structured cultural cooperation agreements; b. Support for specific, innovative and/or experimental projects within the Community and/or in non-member countries.
	Activity 6 - Activity relating to other forms of artistic expression.The objective of this activity is to promote artistic creation in the field of other forms of artistic expression (multimedia as a form of artistic expression, urban art, etc.)Its specific objectives are:- to develop exchanges and cooperation between the various operators;- to facilitate the movement of creations, works and artists in Europe;- to develop training and further education methods, particularly by means of increased mobility for teachers and students in this field;- to promote European creation by encouraging activities aimed at promoting European works and artists in the rest of the world, and a policy of exchange with and reception of other world cultures;- to encourage initiatives which use creation as a means of social integration.
	The above-mentioned objectives shall be implemented by means of the following measures:a. Support for integrated projects covered by structured cultural cooperation agreements; b. Support for specific, innovative and/or experimental projects within the Community and/or in non-member countries.
	B. Horizontal measuresActivity 7 - SynergiesThis activity seeks to encourage and promote the association of various different disciplines, including in particular trans-sectoral activities;The above-mentioned objectives shall be implemented by means of the following measures:a. Support for integrated projects covered by structured cultural cooperation agreements; b. Support for specific, innovative and/or experimental projects within the Community and/or in non-member countries. Activity 8 - Joint activitiesBy means of this activity, Community support may be given to joint activities between measures relating to cultural policy and Community programmes and measures, particularly in the field of education, vocational training and youth. This coordination, which makes it possible to widen access to culture, could be implemented by joint calls for proposals.
	Activity 9 Activities supporting projects of major and/or symbolic importance.These activities of major size and scope help to enhance awareness of belonging to a single community, and to increase awareness of diversity and cultural pluralism in Europe.These projects include:- European prizes in the various cultural spheres: literature, translation, architecture, etc.- support for projects submitted by the appropriate authorities of the Member States and involving the conservation and safeguarding of the cultural heritage which can be described as 'European heritage laboratories'.- the organisation of innovative cultural events with a major symbolic dimension, accessible to all and capable of underlining the link between education, artistic activities and culture, such as the 'intellectual Olympics'.

(Amendment 24)

Annex II

	This Annex to read as follows:II. Description of implementing measuresThe objectives of the activities described in Annex I will be implemented by means of the following measures: 1. Support for integrated activities in the context of structured transnational cultural cooperation agreements
	The Commission shall encourage closer relations and joint working, particularly by the networking of operators, cultural bodies, cultural institutions involving in particular professionals in different Member States with a view to realising structured cultural projects both within and outside the Community. This measure relates to significant quality projects on a large scale and with a European dimension, involving at least five States participating in the Culture 2000 programme. The 'cultural cooperation agreements' proposed in this way for up to three years shall comprise some or all of the following activities:
	- co-productions of works and other largescale cultural events (e.g. exhibitions, festivals, etc.) making them accessible to as many EU citizens as possible;- cultural events, and enhancement of cultural sites and monuments within the Community with a view to raising awareness of European culture;- activities aimed at developing further education and mobility for professionals in the cultural field (artists, restorers, museum curators, etc.) both in academic and practical terms, including the use of new technology;- research projects, public awareness campaigns, activities for teaching and the dissemination of knowledge, seminars, congresses, meetings on cultural topics of European importance.
	After the opinion of the Committee referred to in Article 5 of this decision has been heard, Community support shall be granted for the realisation of 'cultural cooperation agreements'. It shall be intended to cover not only part of the funding of the project, but also expenses relating to the establishment of lasting cooperation, which may be multiannual, in a legal form recognised in one of the Member States of the Union.
	In order for the agreement to be eligible, the activities it covers must involve operators from at least five Member States participating in the 'Culture 2000' programme.
	Community support shall not exceed 60% of the budget for 'cultural cooperation agreements'. It shall not exceed ECU 200 000 per year.
	Those responsible for multiannual 'cultural cooperation agreements' receiving Community support for more than one year must submit to the Committee at the end of each year a summary of activities undertaken and of the expenditure on each activity, in order for the Community support to be carried over for the complete period of the project.
	2. Support for specific activitiesThe Community shall support annually events and projects carried out in partnership or in the form of networks. These projects shall involve operators from at least three States participating in the 'Culture 2000' programme and shall be innovative, with the goal of:
	- providing European citizens with better access to and greater participation in culture, in their social and regional diversity, including the underprivileged and young people;
	- supporting the creation of multimedia tools able to meet the needs of different kinds of public, so as to make European creative work and the cultural heritage more visible and more accessible;
	- encouraging cooperation between cultural and socio-cultural agents working in the field of social integration, and with young people in particular;
	- promoting the television broadcasting of cultural events using the new technology of the information society, including analogic/and/or digital cross-border television broadcasting.

(Amendment 25)

Annex III

III. CommunicationRecipients of Community aid must mention this support explicitly, and as prominently as possible, in all information or communications relating to the project.

This Annex to read as follows:III. Priorities in selection criteriaa. European added valueb. Number of fields affected by transsectoral projects (synergies).c. Number of creations/items of cultural heritage/other items affected by the project (integrated activity).d. Viability of the activity/project/network particularly in terms of:- economic impact (creation of jobs),- socio-cultural impact (improving public access to and participation in culture).- environmental impact (promoting sustainable development).Additional encouragement will be given to projects which:- include training, further education or vocational training in the field of the arts and culture, particularly for young people,- involve countries which are candidates for the EU.- encourage the transfer of knowledge whereby recipients will be enabled to build on existing expertise and knowledge.

(Amendment 26)

Annex IV

IV. Technical assistance and accompanying actionsIn the execution of the "Culture 2000" programme, the Commission may have recourse to technical assistance organizations, for which the financing is planned within the total funding of the programme. It may also, under the same conditions, make use of experts or networks of experts. In addition, the Commission may arrange evaluative studies as well as organize seminars, colloquia or other experts' meetings which might assist with the implementation of the programme. The Commission may also organize actions related to information, publication and dissemination.

deleted

(Amendment 27)

Annex V

V. Contact pointsThe Commission and the Member States will organize and step up the mutual exchange of information for use in the implementation of the "Culture 2000" programme, by means of cultural contact points which will be responsible for: - promoting the programme; - encouraging as many professionals as possible to take part in its projects; - providing a permanent link with the various institutions providing aid to the cultural sector in the Member States, thus ensuring that the measures taken under the "Culture 2000" programme complement national support measures.

deleted

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision on establishing a single financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation (Culture 2000 programme) (COM(98)266 - C4-0335/98 - 98/0169(COD))

(Codecision procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council, COM(98)266 - 98/0169(COD)[2],

- having regard to Article 189b(2) and Article 128 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C4-0335/98),

- having regard to Rule 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the report of the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media and the opinion of the Committee on Budgets (A4-0370/98),

1. Approves the Commission proposal, subject to Parliament's amendments;

2. Calls on the Commission to alter its proposal accordingly, pursuant to Article 189a(2) of the EC Treaty;

3. Calls on the Council to incorporate Parliament's amendments in the common position that it adopts in accordance with Article 189b(2) of the EC Treaty;

4. Should the Council intend to depart from the text approved by Parliament, calls on the Council to notify Parliament and requests that the conciliation procedure be initiated;

5. Points out that the Commission is required to submit to Parliament any modification it may intend to make to its proposal as amended by Parliament;

6. Instructs its President to forward this opinion to the Council and Commission.

[1] () OJ C 211, 7.7.1998, p.18
[2] () OJ C 211, 7.7.1998, p. 18

B EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

I - INTRODUCTION

In the light of the scope offered by Art. 128 of the EC Treaty, the Commission seeks to initiate a new approach to cultural activities, based on a transparent, global vision centred on two ideas:

- the rationalisation and coherence of Community activities in support of cultural cooperation within a single funding and programming instrument (the 'Culture 2000' programme) with a budget of ECU 167 m.

- the explicit integration of culture into Community acts and policies (Commission's policy document).

The establishment of the framework programme is based on the consultation of cultural institutions and circles, and on the results of the assessment of current cultural programmes (Raphael, Ariane, Kaleidoscope). The Commission's approach is centred on cooperation. In order to exploit and promote a European cultural area, the objectives of the programme are:

- the creation and transnational dissemination of culture and the movement of artists and creations;

- the promotion of cultural diversity and the development of new forms of cultural expression;

- exploiting the cultural heritage of European significance and cultural dialogue;

- the dissemination of European cultures in third countries and dialogue with other world cultures.

The programme will be implemented in the form of three main types of activity:

a. Activities integrated through structured, multiannual cultural cooperation agreements by the networking of cultural operators with a view to encouraging co-productions of works and other large-scale cultural events (exhibitions, festivals, mobility of culture professionals, research projects, activities embracing several cultural disciplines, etc.) involving at least 7 Member States.

b. Major projects such as the European City of Culture, the creation of a performing arts cultural festival in the country holding the EU Presidency, Europe Days, etc.;

c. Specific activities favouring new forms of cultural expression, the creation of multimedia tools, exchanges and cooperation among cultural and socio-cultural operators working for social integration, involving at least 4 Member States.

The Commission's policy document aimed at the explicit integration of cultural aspects into the Community's acts and policies seeks to boost the visibility, impact and coherence of Community acts and instruments with a direct or indirect effect on culture. This integration of cultural aspects into Community policies may take place in three ways:

1. A legislative framework favourable to culture (establishing a policy for the promotion of cultural diversity, exchanges and cooperation and encouraging cultural creation and development);

2. The cultural dimension of aid policies (policy of regional cultural development, training and the dissemination of knowledge);

3. Culture in the Community's external relations.

II. RAPPORTEUR'S POSITION

Your rapporteur endorses this new approach to culture aimed at boosting cultural activity in the Community in the context of the future development of the EU and the response which needs to be made to the great challenges of our time (enlargement, globalisation, growth of the information society, employment and social cohesion, etc.)

However, some comments are necessary as regards the objectives and implementation of the 'Culture 2000' framework programme. For example, these objectives should also include:

- citizens' participation in and access to cultural activities;

- explicit recognition of culture as a source of jobs and a factor in social integration and citizenship.

In terms of implementation, the framework programme seems to give priority to existing major cultural networks and large-scale prestige cultural events. This could have the perverse effect of giving more importance to the visibility of an activity than to its cultural nature. An assessment of the first generation of programmes, and our cultural policy priorities, have shown the need:

- to guarantee participation and access for European citizens;

- to avoid dissipation and guarantee visibility at European level;

- to rationalise and boost programmes, give them more coherence and increase synergies.

These objectives would be more effectively achieved if the programme was geared to:

- the promotion and exploitation of more directly targeted activities (small and medium projects) affecting the European citizen directly;

- a sectoral approach, which by its flexibility would encourage synergies between the various artistic fields, and new forms of expression.

Building on the rationale and achievements of the first generation of cultural programmes, while increasing the impact of activities by a sectoral approach, simplifying procedures and defining eligibility criteria clearly and precisely, the effectiveness of the programme would be guaranteed by giving greater recognition, and adjusting better, to the economic, cultural and professional realities of each sector of cultural activity.

These activities would thus be more relevant in terms of visibility, participation and 'socio-cultural productivity'.

The sectoral classification is as follows:

- performing arts (theatre and dance);

- plastic, applied and visual arts (visual arts and multimedia);

- music;

- cultural heritage;

- literature;

- other (existing and future) forms of artistic expression.

It would also include horizontal measures covering any synergy between cultural activities under these headings, as well as joint activities with other Community programmes and measures to support projects of major and/or symbolic importance..

Eligible projects should in particular meet the following general criteria:

- they should support cultural events and projects carried out in partnership or in the form of a network, involving at least three Member States;

- they should support cooperation activities with a significant European dimension and a socio-economic effect, involving the cooperation of at least three Member States;

- they should support the training of cultural professionals and operators.

Definitions are also provided for the criteria and priorities specifically geared to the realities and needs of the various sectors of cultural activity.

Finally, the budget allocated by the Commission of ECU 167 m (roughly ECU 33 m per year) is clearly inadequate to cover the objectives and scope of the activities envisaged by the programme. An amount of ECU 250 m would permit the implementation of objectives and activities seeking to establish a European cultural area.

III - SUMMARY

ACTIVITY	OBJECTIVES	MEASURES
A. VERTICAL MEASURES
Activity 1 - Activity in the field of the performing arts (theatre and dance);	- to develop exchanges and cooperation between the various operators in the performing arts field.- to facilitate the movement of creations, works and artists within Europe,- to develop training and further education methods, particularly by greater mobility of teachers and of students in this sector,- to promote European creativity in the performing arts field by encouraging measures to promote European works and artists in this field in the rest of the world, and a policy of the exchange and reception of other world cultures;- to encourage initiatives employing creations in the theatre and dance sectors as a means of social integration.	a. support for integrated activities within structured cultural cooperation agreements,b. support for specific innovative and/or experimental activities in the Community and/or in third countries.
Activity 2 - Activity in the field of music;	- to develop exchanges and cooperation between the various operators in the musical sector;- to facilitate the movement of creations, works and artists in Europe;- to develop training and further education methods, particularly by means of increased mobility for teachers and students in the musical field;- to promote musical creation at European level by raising public awareness of the various forms of musical expression and facilitating public access to them;- to promote musical creation in the world by encouraging activities to promote European music and repertoires in the world, and a policy of exchange with and reception of other cultures and creations in the world;- to encourage initiatives which use musical creation as a means of social integration.	a. support for integrated activities within structured cultural cooperation agreements,b. support for specific innovative and/or experimental activities in the Community and/or in third countries
Activity 3 - Activity in the field of plastic, applied and visual arts;	- to develop exchanges and cooperation between the various operators in the plastic arts sector;- to facilitate the movement of creations, works and artists in Europe;- to develop training and further education methods, particularly by means of increased mobility for teachers and students in this l field;- to promote European creation in the fields of the plastic, applied and visual arts by encouraging activities to promote European works and artists in this field in the world, and a policy of exchange with and reception of other world cultures;- to encourage initiatives which use creation in the plastic, visual and applied arts as a means of social integration.	a. support for integrated activities within structured cultural cooperation agreements,b. support for specific innovative and/or experimental activities in the Community and/or in third countries
Activity 4 - Activity in the field of cultural heritage;	- to encourage the conservation and restoration of the European cultural heritage by aid to development and promotion;- to encourage the development of transnational cooperation between institutions and/or operators in the field of the cultural heritage, through safeguarding and developing the European cultural heritage and encouraging the active participation of the public, particularly children, young people, the underprivileged and people living in the EU's remote rural areas;- to encourage transnational cooperation for the development of new technologies in different heritage sectors and in the conservation of traditional trades and techniques;	a. support for integrated activities within structured cultural cooperation agreements,b. support for specific innovative and/or experimental activities in the Community and/or in third countries
Activity 5 - Activity in the field of literature;	- to promote books and reading, particularly among young people, children and the underprivileged;- to encourage cooperation among the Member States in the field of books and reading; to support and complement their activities in this field by contributing to the flowering of their cultures while respecting their national and regional diversity;- to increase the knowledge and dissemination of literary creations and the history of the peoples of Europe;	a. support for integrated activities within structured cultural cooperation agreements,b. support for specific innovative and/or experimental activities in the Community and/or in third countriesc. Aid for the translation of literary, dramatic and reference works;d. Aid for translation colleges for the further education of members of this profession.
Activity 6 - Activity relating to other forms of artistic expression.	- to develop exchanges and cooperation between the various operators;-to facilitate the movement of creations, works and artists in Europe;- to develop training and further education methods, particularly by means of increased mobility for teachers and students in this field;- to promote European creation by encouraging activities to promote European works and artists in this field in the world, and a policy of exchange with and reception of other world cultures;- to encourage initiatives which use creation as a means of social integration.	a. support for integrated activities within structured cultural cooperation agreements,b. support for specific innovative and/or experimental activities in the Community and/or in third countries
B. HORIZONTAL MEASURES
Activity 7 - Synergies	This activity seeks to encourage and promote the association of various different disciplines, including in particular trans-sectoral activities;	a. support for integrated activities within structured cultural cooperation agreements,b. support for specific innovative and/or experimental activities in the Community and/or in third countriesc. Support for major projects having a European and/or international impact.
Activity 8 - Joint activities.	By means of this activity, Community support may be given to joint activities between measures relating to cultural policy and Community programmes and measures, particularly in the field of education, vocational training and youth. This coordination, which makes it possible to widen access to culture, could be implemented by joints calls for proposals.
Activity 9 - Measures to support projects of major and/or symbolic importance.	These activities of major size and scope help to enhance awareness of belonging to a single community, and to increase awareness of diversity and cultural pluralism in Europe.

12 October 1998

OPINION

(Rule 147)

for the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media

on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing a single financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation (Culture 2000 programme) (COM(98)0266 final - 98/0169 (COD)) (report by Mrs Mouskouri)

Committee on Budgets

Draftsman: Mr E. Christodoulou

PROCEDURE

At its meeting of 25 June 1998 the Committee on Budgets appointed Mr E. Christodoulou draftsman.

It considered the draft opinion at its meeting of 12 October 1998.

At the meeting, it adopted the following conclusions unanimously.

The following took part in the vote: Tillich, vice-chairman and acting chairman; Giansily and Willockx, vice-chairmen; Christodoulou, draftsman; Böge, Bösch, Bourlanges, Brinkhorst, Colom i Naval, Dankert, Dell'Alba, Desama (for Laignel), Dührkop Dührkop, Elles, Fabra Vallés, FabreAubrespy, Gallagher (for Pasty), Garriga Polledo, Ghilardotti, Haug, Imaz San Miguel, Jöns (for Samland), Kaklamanis, Kellett-Bowman (for Di Prima), McCartin, Miranda, Mulder (for Kjer Hansen), Müller, Pimenta, Pronk (for Podestà), Sandberg-Fries, Seppänen, Tappin, Tomlinson, Viola (for Theato), Virrankoski and Wynn.

BACKGROUND

1. The Commission's aim with this proposal is to implement a new approach to Community cultural action to respond to today's challenges and the aspirations of both the European public and the cultural sector itself. It proposes an integrated multiannual framework programme (2000-2004) to replace the first three programmes (Kaleidoscope, Ariane and Raphael). Although these programmes have encouraged cultural cooperation and helped consolidate and extend transnational partnerships, improve public access to culture and promote European cultural activities, as a result of their very nature and their compartmentalization, the overall impact of Community intervention has been less than expected.

2. The Commission's proposal is its response to Parliament's and the Council's requests. In its decision of 22 September 1997 on the future of cultural action, The Council asked the Commission to submit 'a comprehensive and transparent approach for cultural action, including, inter alia, the establishment of a single instrument for programming and financing'.

3. Based on Article 128 of the EC Treaty, which brings cultural matters within the Community's purview, the particular aim of the framework programme is to concentrate resources for activities in a single financial instrument.

To achieve its objectives, three types of activity are proposed:

- integrated activities within the context of structured and multiannual cultural cooperation agreements;

- major activities with European and/or international effect;

- specific and innovative activities in the Community and/or third countries.

4. Your draftsman welcomes the single structure proposed by the Commission. He recalls that he himself has had occasion - when the Raphael programme was adopted - to express doubts about the rambling structure of this programme, stressing that there was a risk of vastly overrunning the programme's budget and, therefore, of losing Community added value. He also advocated implementing the programme as complementary to and consistent with other Community programmes concerning the cultural heritage. He, therefore, hopes that the single structure of the programme will enable the structural flaws in the previous programmes to be overcome and that it will help to make the programme more effective.

5. Your draftsman would ask the Commission to try to refrain from excessive concentration in order to maintain flexibility and avoid generating unrealistic projects. He, therefore, calls on the Commission to review the applicability of some provisions and eligibility criteria, such as participation by operators from at least seven States in the case of integrated activities in the context of structured multiannual transnational cultural cooperation agreements.

Legislative and budgetary aspects

6. Your draftsman acknowledges that culture is an essential component of European integration. He points out that the rate of implementation for Kaleidoscope and Ariane, two programmes which expire at the end of this year, is high and, therefore, welcomes the Commission's proposals to extend them into 1999[1] so as to avoid disrupting cultural activities in the Community, pending the adoption of the framework programme. He also points out that, at its first reading of the 1999 budget, Parliament reinstated the two relevant budget lines, B32001 and B3-2002, which the Council had removed.

7. He also points out that, at first reading, Parliament agreed, in accordance with the Interinstitutional Agreement of 17 July 1999, to the entry for preparatory measures and set the amount at 7.0 m in CA and 6.5 m in PA. Nevertheless, he stresses the possible risk of overlapping if preparatory measures are continued after the framework programme has been launched. He, therefore, proposes reconsidering the advisability of retaining line B3-2005 in the budget for the year 2000, which is the year for the proposed launch of the framework programme.

8. As regards the overall budget for the duration of the programme (2000-2004), the Commission proposes the amount of EUR 167 million. Your draftsman considers that this amount, in accordance with the declaration of 6 March 1995 on the incorporation of financial provisions into legislative acts, constitutes 'the principal point of reference for the budgetary authority during the annual budget procedure'. He points out that this agreement provides for the possibility of departing from this amount in the event of 'objective, long-term circumstances ... for which an explicit and precise explanation is given'.

9. As regards the implementation of appropriations, your draftsman would draw the legislative authority's attention to the risks of administrative expenditure and other technical assistance measures encroaching on the programme's operating budget.

Programme	Duration	Amount	Implementation at 31.12.1997	Implementation at 31.07.1998
Kaleidoscope	1996-1998	26.5	100%	73%
Ariane	1997-1998	7.0	100%	12%
Raphael	1997-2000	30.0	11%	48%
Total	1996-2000	63.5
Culture framework programme	2000-2004	167.0

On the basis of the above comments, the Committee on Budgets calls on the Committee on Culture, Youth, Education and the Media to take over the following amendments:

Commission text

Amendment

(Amendment 1)

Article 3 - Budget

The finance for implementing the 'Culture 2000' programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 167 m.	The finance for implementing the operational aspects of the 'Culture 2000' programme for the period referred to in Article 1 shall be ECU 167 m.
	This amount may be revised, by not more than 20%, in the context of the annual budgetary conciliation procedure.
The annual appropriations shall be authorised by the budgetary authority within the limits set by the Financial Perspective.Without prejudice to any agreements or conventions to which the Community is a party, the organizations or firms receiving support through the "Culture 2000" programme shall be owned, either directly or through a majority shareholding, by the Member States and/or nationals of Member States and shall remain in their ownership.	For each project, the Commission shall determine the minimum number of participating countries in order to achieve maximum effectiveness.

[1] () COM(98) 0539

ANNEX

22 December 1997

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

pursuant to Rule 45 of the Rules of Procedure

by Mr Morán López

on recognition of the Sephardic cultural heritage

B4-1023/97

Resolution on recognition of the Sephardic cultural heritage

The European Parliament,

A. whereas awareness should be raised of the diverse cultural roots which have formed the European identity and those roots should be given prominence,

B. in appreciation of the cultural legacy of the Sephardic Jews, which has endured in other countries of Europe and the Mediterranean following their expulsion from the Iberian Peninsula at the end of the fifteenth century, and in particular the preservation of the JudaeoSpanish language,

C. recalling that this year is the five-hundredth anniversary of the expulsion of the Jews from Portugal, to where many of the Jews expelled from Spain in 1492 had fled, and the year in which Thessaloniki, a metropolis for many Sephardic Jews until their community was wiped out in Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1943, is the European City of Culture,

1. Recognises the great value of the Sephardic cultural heritage, encompassing both the culture which blossomed on the Iberian Peninsula before the expulsion and that which has evolved subsequently in other regions of Europe and the Mediterranean;

2. Calls on its committee responsible for this area to investigate the possibility of establishing a European cultural heritage trail relating to the Sephardic diaspora and to examine how the EU could use funding from the Phare, Meda, Rafael and other programmes to help preserve and raise awareness of the Sephardic cultural heritage.

ANNEX

22 December 1997 B4-1024/97

MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

pursuant to Rule 45 of the Rules of Procedure

by Mrs Dührkop Dührkop and Mr Sanz Fernández

on recognition of the Sephardic cultural heritage

B4-1024/97

Resolution on recognition of the Sephardic cultural heritage

The European Parliament,

A. whereas the Jewish community recognises the period from the tenth to the thirteenth centuries on the Iberian Peninsula (Sefarad) as its Golden Age, when its culture experienced its greatest flowering, this coinciding as it did with an era of tolerance and coexistence between Christians, Muslims and Jews,

B. recalling that the Sephardic communities have throughout the twentieth century suffered as a result of events such as the Holocaust, the two world wars and the replacement of the Ottoman Empire by nation-States and, besides this, owing to emigration induced by the establishment of the State of Israel, which has in many cases led to their virtual disappearance from towns and cities where they had settled centuries earlier,

C. whereas consequently there is a serious danger that the living cultural heritage of the Sephardic communities could disappear,

D. pointing out the need to bring together in cultural projects Member States of the European Union and other countries of Europe and the Mediterranean,

1. Urges the Sephardic communities to keep their culture alive;

2. Calls on its committee responsible for this area to investigate the possibility of establishing, jointly with the Council of Europe, as part of the European cultural heritage trails programme, a measure entitled 'the Sephardic diaspora', which would highlight the wealth of Sephardic language, music, folklore, architectural and literary heritage, etc., and support new cultural activity.

Legal notice - Privacy policy