COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, i3.n.i996 
COM(96) 562 final 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION 
TO THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT 
"EXPO 98" 

wiw 'Summary 
In 1998, Portugal is organising in Lisbon from 22 May to 30 September an international exhibition 
with the theme "The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future". This will be the last international exhibition of 
the twentieth century and will be the first international exhibition to be organised by Portugal since it 
has been a member of the European Union. 
Participation of the Commission at World Expo '98 offers an exceptional opportunity to inform the 
expected 8 million visitors, both EU citizens and overseas visitors, of the role of the European Union at 
the end of the twentieth century. In the selected theme of the exhibition, the oceans, the European 
Union has much to inform about as a broad range of EU policies are closely linked to issues involving 
the sea. 
The Member States are to be represented in a grouping at the exhibition and the EU's presence will 
complement the national presentations. The EU's presence in Lisbon will offer a major occasion for the 
European institutions to inform citizens of their activities. 
It is proposed that the European Union participates at Expo '98 in Lisbon on the basis of the proposal 
described in this communication. 
1. The theme of the exhibition 
The selected theme is "The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future". It is clear that for Europe, the 
oceans surrounding its coasts and regions have played an important role in its historical, 
cultural and economic development. The selection of the ocean theme by the Portuguese 
organisers is timely as 1998 marks the international year of the oceans. The organisers are 
expecting several major sub-themes to be illustrated as part of the overall approach, notably the 
integration of oceans and their resources in the process of development, the heritage of the 
oceans and how they have moulded our current world and what should be preserved of the 
oceans for future generations. Of particular interest to the organisers and to the visiting public 
will be the development of new policies for the world's oceans and their resources. 
2. The exhibition site 
The site of the exhibition will cover 60 hectares of land to the east of Lisbon, some five 
kilometres from the centre of the city. The southern side of the site is bordered by the river 
Tagus and therefore presents a natural marine location which underlines the theme selected for 
1998. The site also presents a major commitment to urban renewal as much of the area is a 
former industrial location used by the fuel and petro chemical industry. Surrounding the site is a 
further 310 hectares of land which is currently undergoing redevelopment and industrial and 
urban renewal. Much of this work has been funded by the regional and cohesion funds. 
At the end of Expo '98 the exhibition site will become a new exhibition centre for Lisbon and 
will create a new and attractive facility for the city. 
3. The participants 
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The organisers foresee that there will be 115-125 participating countries at World Expo '08. 
The number of visits has been projected at a figure of 14 million. All EU Member States have 
indicated officially or unofficially that they will participate in modules supplied by the 
organisers. 
4. Participation of the Commission 
Since 1958, the European institutions have participated in universal and international 
exhibitions. Bruxelles 1958, Turin 1961, Seattle 1962, Munich 1965, Montreal 1967, Osaka 
1970, Okinawa 1975, Knoxville 1982, New Orleans 1984, Tsukuba 1985, Vancouver 1986, 
Brisbane 1988, Genoa 1992, Seville 1992 and Taejon 1993. The international exhibitions were 
governed by the rules of the Bureau of International Exhibitions which is responsible for the 
implementation of the Convention of Paris (1928) on universal and international exhibitions. 
Under the rules of the Convention, official participants are invited by the government of the 
host country. 
The Commission was invited to take part at the Expo by the Portuguese Prime Minister and in 
this manner is considered an official participant under the terms of the Convention of Paris. In 
reply to this invitation President Santer indicated in his letter of 29 March 1995 that the 
exhibition was a priority for the Commission and gave an agreement in principle on 
participation, subject to the decision of the budgetary authority in the context of the 1997 and 
1998 preliminary draft budgets. President Santer reiterated the Commission's commitment to 
participation in a further letter to the Portuguese Prime Minister on 19 July 1996. 
5. Specific reasons for being in Lisbon 
In view of the fact that a European Union member is host of this international exhibition there 
is a strong case for participating in Lisbon on the grounds of Union solidarity. The theme of the 
exhibition, which focuses on the oceans, is of major importance for the European Union 
because in the geopolitical development of Europe in the past centuries the sea has played a 
major formative role and because of the link of a number of EU policies with this theme. 
Other than a general presentation on the EU today, the World Expo would provide the 
opportunity to present to the general public the results of such policies and initiatives as, for 
example: 
the European Action Plan for the Information Society (including MARIS Gl projects) 
Community Research and Technological Development (possibly including a showcase 
on concrete project results) 
maritime industry policy and industrial showcases 
maritime transport policy and maritime transport applications 
Mediterranean policy 
fisheries policy 
coastal environment and coastal regions 
research and development (results of the Fourth Framework Programme for RTD, 
emphasizing the following items: global change (including in particular EuroGOOS and 
ELOISE); offshore hydrocarbons; sustainable use of coastal zones (including marine 
technology, marine environmental issues, aquaculture ...); biodiversity and fisheries) 
trade and commercial exchanges 
law of the sea 
the sea in development policy 
innovative forms of energy saving and new forms of energy production 
tourism 
sport and culture 
education and training 
high definition television. 
It will also be an opportunity to present the challenges facing the EU, including the results of the IGC 
and progress towards the euro. 
6. A pavilion for the EU 
Expo '98 has submitted a proposal for a pavilion for the European Union at the base of the 
panoramic tower which is to be located at the northern waterfront site. The construction, 
which projects 60 metres into the river Tagus, resembles a large sail and the pavilion of the EU 
would be housed at the base of the sail. The EU pavilion would be surrounded by water. At the 
top of the panoramic tower is a form of a basket in which a revolving restaurant would be 
located. The restaurant which has a capacity of 10 000 visitors a day would be independently 
managed and not part of the EU pavilion. The EU exhibition space at the base of the sail is 
air-conditioned and there are large terraces for the public to view the Tagus and the site of 
Expo '98. 
The pavilion offers the EU an exhibition space of 2 400 m2, ample storage space, offices and 
meeting rooms. In this manner it offers an acceptably high profile for the European Union at 
Expo '98 and by being close to the north pavilion which houses the modules of the Member 
States oilers the latter a privileged VIP lounge in an outstanding waterfront environment. 
Expo '98, owner of the exhibition site and thus responsible for the design and construction of 
the panoramic tower, foresees that the tower will be commercialised after the exhibition and 
hence there are no demolition costs for the European Union. The offer from the organisers of 
the World Expo is conditional on a payment of 2.5 MECU to be paid by the European Union 
to house its exhibition in this prestigious site. In view of the importance of Expo '98 for the 
European Union and the advantages of housing its exhibition in a high profile pavilion (without 
incurring the commercial risks of exploitation after the exhibition) the Commission is 
favourable to this Expo '98 proposal. The pavilion will offer a showcase for the European 
Union in which the themes of the exhibition can be addressed using the latest information 
technology for example interactive systems, CD ROM technology, HDTV, video recording 
and of course the more classic features of exhibitions such as working models and panels. 
The Commission intends to use 2 400m2 space for mounting exhibitions on the European 
Union. Some I 400m2 of this will be devoted to a general exhibition coordinated and managed 
by its information service (DG X). A further 1 000m2 will be made available to other services 
of the Commission and to other institutions and agencies of the European Union for mounting 
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specific and temporary exhibitions on specialised technical fields relating to the different 
policies of the Union. 
The budget is estimated as follows: 
1. Staff (officials, temporary agents, auxiliaires, missions) 1.690.000 Ecu 
2. Overall conception for 2 400m2; 
Production, assembly and decoration 
of 1 400m2 of general exhibition; 
Basic provision and availability of 
1 000m2 space reserved for specific exhibitions 1.000.0Q0 Ecu 
Running costs and staff for 2 400m2 1.000.000 Ecu 
Information campaign and events for 1 400m2 400.000 Ecu 
Contingencies for 1 400m2 100.000 Ecu 
Installation rights for 2 400m2 2.500.000 Ecu 
3. To date the European Parliament and DGs VII, VIII and XIV have confirmed their 
participation at a cost of 2 000 000 Ecu. The budget headings concerned are as follows: 
DC 1997 1998 Budget heading 
DGVII 200 000 - B2-704 
DGVIII 200 000 B7-610 
DG VIII 800 000 B7-6200 
DGXIV 400000 100 000 B2-110Ï 
European 300 000 - 2721 
Parliament 
Total 1.100 000 + 900 000 = 2 000 000 Ecu 
Other institutions, agencies or directorates-general may propose additional financing for 
specific, one-off exhibitions. 
The total estimated cost of the action (see § 7.2 of the financial statement) amounts, therefore, 
to 8 690 000 Ecu. 
Conclusion 
The Council and the Parliament are informed of the intention of the Commission to participate 
in the 1998 exhibition in Lisbon on the basis of the proposal put forward. 
Expenditure for 1997 will be covered by the appropriations in the 1997 budget. The 
appropriations needed for 1998 will be requested in the 1998 PDB. 
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT 
1. TITLE OF OPERATION 
Participation in "World Expo 98", the Lisbon international fair 
2. BUDGET HEADING 
Titles A1,A2, A4, A5: Officials and temporary staff 
A-l 110: Auxiliary staff 
A-130: Mission expenses 
A-3055: International meetings 
Heading 2721: Budget heading in Section I - European Parliament 
B2-1101 : Objective 5(a) of the Structural Funds 
B2-704: Establishment and development of a common sustainable transport policy 
B7-6200: Environment in the developing countries 
B7-610: Training and promotion of awareness of development issues 
3. LEGAL BASIS 
Autonomous decision by the Commission 
4. DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION 
4.1 General objectives: 
In March 1995 the Commission, in response to an invitation from the Portuguese Prime 
Minister, indicated its intention of participating in "World Expo 98", subject to the decision 
of the budgetary authority for the 1997 and 1998 financial years. 
Expo 98 is recognized by the BEI (International Exhibitions Bureau) as a specialized 
international exhibition. 
Its theme will t>e: "The oceans, a heritage for the future" and will take place in Lisbon from 
22 May to 30 September 1998. It will receive about 14 million visits over that period, 
which should mean around 8 million visitors. 
Fifty-eight countries have already confirmed their participation. The Member States of the 
Union will be present; the last of them are currently in the process of confirming their 
participation. 
Interdepartmental coordination between the Commission's different Directorates-General 
has begun with a view to promoting those Commission programmes which relate to the 
theme of Expo 98, such as the application of the information society to the maritime sector 
(MARIS), innovation in maritime industries and the conservation of sea products. 
Parliament will also be present at the exhibition. 
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4.2 Period covered: 
Expo 98 will be held in Lisbon from 22 May to 30 September 1998. The design studies will 
begin in 1997 and the project will finish at the end of 1998. 
5. CLASSFICATION OF EXPENDITURE 
5.1 NCE 
5.2 DA + NDA 
6. TYPE OF EXPENDITURE 
Grants for joint funding with other public or private sources and service contracts 
7. FINANCIAL IMPACT 
7. / Method of calculating total cost of operation: 
The total cost is based on the flat-rate rent payable to the Expo 98 organizers for 2 400 m2 
of exhibition floor space, of which 1 400 m2 will be used by DG X tor an exhibition 
providing general information on the Union and 1 000 m2 will be made available to the 
Commission's other Directorates-General for specific exhibitions on Union policies 
connected with the sea. 
To date the European Parliament and Dgs VII, VIII and XIV have confirmed their 
participation at a cost of 2 000 000 Ecu. The budget headings concerned are as follows: 
DG 1997 1998 Budget heading 
DGVII 200 000 - B2-704 
DGVm 200000 B7-610 
DG VIII 800 000 B7-6200 
DGXTV 400 000 100 000 B2-1101 
European 300 000 - 2721 
Parliament 
Total 1 100 000 + 900 000 =2 000 000 Ecu 
Other institutions, agencies or directorates-general may propose additional financing for 
specific, one-off exhibitions. 
The total estimated cost of the action (see § 7.2 of the financial statement) amounts, 
therefore, to 8 690 000 Ecu. 
7.2 Itemized breakdown of cost: 
Commitment appropriations in ecus 
Breakdown 1997 1998 Total 
Titles A1,A2,A4 and A5 : Officials and 
temporary staff 
Item A-1110: Auxiliary staff 
Article A-130: Mission expenses 
Item A-3055: International meetings 
- Installation dues for the overall area of 
2 400 in2 (including 1 000 in2 made available to 
specific Commission departments, other 
institutions and European Union agencies) 
- Design and external decoration of total area 
(2 400 m2) 
- Runnings costs for total area and local staff 
(2 400 m2) 
- Preparation, assembly and decoration for 
general exhibition (1 400 m2) 
- Communication and events for general 
exhibition (1 400 m2) 
- Miscellaneous expenditure and contingencies 
for general exhibition (1 400 in2) 
Other budget items to be determined for 
specific exhibitions (Commission, other 
institutions and European Union agencies) 
- Budgetary lines: 2721, B2-1101, B2-704, B7-610, 
B7-6200 700 000 
50.000 
45 000 
1300 000 
(400 000) 
(200 000) 
(400 000) 
(250 000) 
(50 000) 
1 100 000 700 000 
50 000 
145 000 
3 700 000 
(2 100 000) 
(100 000) 
(1000 000) 
(300 000) 
(150 000) 
(50 000) 
900 000 1400 000 
100 000 
190 000 
5000 000 
(2 500 000) 
(300 000) 
(1000 000) 
(700 000) 
(400 000) 
(100 000) 
2000 000 
ESTIMATED TOTAL COST OF 
OPERATION 3 195 000 5 495 000 8 690 000 
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8. FRAUD PREVENTION MEASURES 
All the contracts for research, design and implementation will be awarded under tendering 
procedures held in accordance with the Commission's Financial Regulation. 
9. COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS 
9.1 Specific and quantifiable objectives; target population: 
Specific objectives: 
The theme of the exhibition "The oceans: a heritage for the future" is of paramount 
importance for the European Union. Numerous Directorates-General are affected and Expo 
98 will be a major opportunity for presenting Union policies connected with maritime 
issues, in the fields of industry, protection of the environment, fishery and other products, 
legislation, trade agreements, etc. 
The Commission's participation in the Lisbon World Expo 98 has three specific objectives: 
1. Provide general information about the European Union by setting up stands in the 
exhibition organized by DG X (1 400 m2). 
2. Provide information about European policies and projects connected with the theme 
of the exhibition by setting up stands to be organized by DGs and other institutions 
and European Union agencies in the area set aside for this purpose (1 000 m2). 
3. Make visitors aware of the challenges of the day, and in particular the outcome of 
the IGC and progress towards the single currency, by setting up appropriate stands 
in the general exhibition and providing the public with material produced for the 
priority information campaigns. 
Target population: 
The organizers anticipate around 8 million visitors over the duration of the Fair, which 
should mean more than 14 million visits to the European Union pavilion. 
The target population will consist of both Portuguese visitors and foreign visitors from more 
than 100 other countries, the majority being specialists and decision-makers in the maritime 
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9.2 Grounds for the operation 
Expo 98 is an international exhibition recognized by the International Exhibitions Bureau 
(Paris Convention). Some 125 countries, including the Member States of the Union, have 
expressed their wish to participate. 
Our operations will be limited to the 1 400 m2 fitted out by DG X and the 1 000 m2 offered 
to the other Directorates-General and/or Community institutions wishing to participate in 
the event. Our operations do not include the construction of the pavilion, but only the 
erection and decoration of die stands and the organization of activities throughout the 
exhibition. 
Community participation will be similar to that in other international exhibitions of this 
type, such as Vancouver in 1986, Brisbane in 1988, Genoa in 1992 and Taejon in 1993. 
Visits by a specialized, international public will have an important knock-on effect, 
especially in view of the future worldwide importance of the maritime sector and the 
policies already implemented by the Union in this field. 
As things currently stand and in view of the large number of participants expected, it is 
fairly certain that the exhibition should be a success. 
9.3 Monitoring and evaluation of the operation: 
Performance indicators: 
The unit responsible for fairs and exhibitions in DG X will have to ensure that international 
participation conforms with what has so far been announced. Above all, it will have to 
coordinate the participation of the other Directorates-General and other European 
institutions in order to guarantee the best possible use of the 1 000 m2 made available to 
them. 
As regards the specific objectives of the operation: 
the impact of the general exhibition in terms of enhancing visitors' knowledge of the 
Union will be measured by daily counts at the Union pavilion (target: 14 million 
visits), backed up by a qualitative questionnaire given to a representative sample of 
visitors; 
the impact of the specific stands on Union policies and projects connected with the 
theme of the fair will also be assessed by means of the above qualitative 
questionnaire; 
awareness of the IGC and the Euro will be measured by the number of information 
items distributed, in particular brochures. 
An overall assessment will be made on the basis of the qualitative questionnaire, and a 
financial audit will be carried out at the beginning of 1999 to evaluate the cost-effectiveness 
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of the operation, using previous participation in exhibitions of the same type as a 
benchmark. 
10. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE 
Actual mobilization of the necessary administrative resources will derive from the 
Commission's annual decision on the allocation of resources, in the light of whatever 
additional staff and amounts are awarded by the budgetary authority. 
Additional requests will at all events be without prejudice to the Commission's decision on: 
(a) requests for new posts in the preliminary draft budget, and 
(b) the allocation of resources. 
10.1 Effect on the number of posts 
Type of post 
Officials or 
temporary 
staff A 
B 
C 
Other resources 
Total Staff to be assigned to 
managing the operation 
Permanent 
posts 
2.5 
1.5 
1.0 
5.0 Temporary 
posts 
1.0 
1.0 
1.0 
3.0 Source 
Existing 
resources in 
the DG or 
department 
concerned 
2.5 
1.5 
1.0 
1.0 
6.0 Additional 
resources 
1.0 
1.0 
2.0 Duration 
1997-98 
(24 mths) 
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At. 
10.2 Overall financial impact of additional human resources 
(ecu) 
Amounts Method of calculation 
Officials 
Temporary staff 
Other resources 2 temporary staff (Titles Al, A2, A4 
and A5) ECU 1 000 x 2 x 2 years = 
ECU 400 000 
400 000 
Total 400000 
Expenditure relating to human resources required for this operation which will be covered 
by mobilization of existing resources is estimated at: 
Titles Al, A2, A4 and A5 (5 officials): 
ECU 100 000 x 5 x 2 years = 
Item A-1110 (Auxiliary staff): ECU 50 000 x 1 x 2 years = ECU 
ECU 1000 000 
100 000 
ECU 1 100 000 
10.3 Increase in other administrative expenditure as a result of the operation 
(ecu) 
Budget heading Amounts Method of calculation 
A-3055: 5 000 000 See Table 7.2 
International meetings 
Total 5 000 000 
Expenditure on missions for this operation to be covered by mobilizing existing resources is 
estimated at: 
1997: 48 missions (2 days) 
1998: 81 missions (2/3 days) 
Total: ECU 
ECU 
ECU 45 000 
145 000 
190 000 
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A <1 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(96) 562 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 16 01 11 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-96-561-EN-C 
ISBN 92-78-10873-1 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg 
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