COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 27.05.1998 
COM(1998) 350 final 
97/0290 (COD) 
Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision for the 
establishment of a Community action in favour of the "European City of 
Culture" event. 
(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) 
of the EC-Treaty) 

Explanatory Memorandum 
European City of Culture 
Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision for the 
establishment of a Community action in favour of the "European City of 
Culture" event. 
1. On 30 October 1997, the Commission presented a proposal for a European 
Parliament and Council Decision for the establishment of a Community action in 
favour of the "European City of Culture" event (COM 97/549-97/0290 COD). 
On 30 April 1998, the European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution 
(A4/0083/98), in which they approve the Commission proposal, subject to certain 
amendments.1 
This modified proposal integrates those amendments which have been accepted by 
the Commission, during discussions with the Parliament. It is worth noting that 
the Commission has, in most cases, accepted the amendments, as suggested. 
2. Of the amendments accepted, some are drafting changes, some add new elements 
to the proposal. 
3. In a limited number of cases, the Commission was not able to include the 
amendments. These concern four main points: (the procedure for designating 
cities, the participation of certain third countries, the ending of the European 
Cultural Month and the total finance for the initiative), which were not able to be 
incorporated for the following reasons: 
• The procedure proposed by the Commission, while fully involving all of the 
Community institutions, was relatively flexible in order to allow for the decision 
to be made within a reasonable amount of time. A more laborious procedure, such 
as that envisaged by Article 189b would, from a purely practical point of view, not 
operate effectively and would hinder the functioning of the programme. 
Moreover, as the legal service of the European Parliament has confirmed, the 
Commission proposal is legally correct in the sense that "this is not a measure 
with any legislative function, but instead a decision implementing or applying a 
legislative act adopted under the co-decision procedure". 
• The Commission proposal has taken into account the undertakings and 
agreements which bind the European Union as regards the participation of 
associated third countries in Community programmes. These agreements 
envisage that, as with other Community programmes, this initiative will be open 
to the countries of the European Economic Area, to the associated countries of 
central and eastern Europe, to Cyprus and to other European third countries which 
Oral hearing N°268301, page 16 
L 
central and eastern Europe, to Cyprus and to other European third countries which 
have concluded co-operation agreements with the European Union containing a 
cultural clause. 
• The Commission planned to bring to an end the European Cultural Month 
because, firstly it did not wish to continue an initiative which, due to its limited 
duration has not had significant impact and secondly, and most importantly, 
because the "European City of Culture" was to be opened to the EEA and CEE 
countries. 
a The total financing for the "European City of Culture" is envisaged in the 
Commission proposal for the establishment of a "Cultural Framework 
Programme", of which this initiative will be an integral part. 
1 
European Parliament amendments contained in the Commission modified proposal 
1-2-3-4-5-6-11 
Amendments accepted in part 
9 
Amendments not accepted 
7-8-10-12-13-14 
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Proposal for a 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND 
COUNCIL DECISION 
establishing a Community initiative 
for 
"The European City of Culture" event Proposal for a 
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND 
COUNCIL DECISION 
establishing a Community initiative 
for 
"The European City of Culture" event 
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
UNION 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing 
the European Community, and in 
particular Article 128 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission, 
Having regard to the Opinion of the 
Committee of the Regions, 
Acting in accordance with the procedure 
laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty, THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
UNION 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing 
the European Community, and in 
particular Article 128 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the 
Commission, 
Having regard to the Opinion of the 
Committee of the Regions, 
Acting in accordance with the procedure 
laid down in Article 189b of the Treaty, 
1/ Whereas Europe has, throughout 
its history, been the site of exceptionally 
prolific and varied artistic activity; 
whereas urban life has played a major 
role in the growth and influence of the 
European cultures; 1/ Whereas Europe has, throughout 
its history, been the site of exceptionally 
prolific and varied artistic activity; 
whereas urban life has played a major 
role in the growth and influence of the 
European cultures; 
2/ Whereas the EC Treaty gives the 
Community competence in the cultural 
field (Article 128); whereas all 
Community activity designed to promote 
the arts should therefore be placed on the 
new legal basis, in accordance with the 
objectives and means assigned to the 
Community by the Treaty; 
3/ Whereas, on 13 June 1985, the 
Ministers responsible for cultural affairs 
meeting within the Council adopted a 
resolution concerning the annual 2/ Whereas the EC Treaty gives the 
Community competence in the cultural 
field (Article 128); whereas all 
Community activity designed to promote 
the arts should therefore be placed on the 
new legal basis, in accordance with the 
objectives and means assigned to the 
Community by the Treaty; 
3/ Whereas, on 13 June 1985, the 
Ministers responsible for cultural affairs 
meeting within the Council adopted a 
resolution concerning the annual 
organisation of the "European City of 
Culture", the main aim of which was to 
make certain cultural aspects of the city, 
region or country in question accessible 
to the European public, an event for 
which the European Community has 
provided financial support; organisation of the "European City of 
Culture", the main aim of which was to 
make certain cultural aspects of the city, 
region or country in question accessible 
to the European public, an event for 
which the European Community has 
provided financial support; 
4/ Whereas Parliament, in the 
discussions leading up to its opinion of 
7 April 1995 on the Kaleidoscope 
programme,1 asked the Commission to 
present a specific programme on the 
European City of Culture after the year 
2000 on the basis of Article 128 of the 
EC Treaty; 4/ Whereas Parliament, in the 
discussions leading up to its opinion of 
7 April 1995 on the Kaleidoscope 
programme, asked the Commission to 
present a specific programme on the 
European City of Culture after the year 
2000 on the basis of Article 128 of the 
EC Treaty; 
5/ Whereas any Community 
initiative to promote the "European City 
of Culture" must satisfy predefined 
objectives and use the resources provided 
for by the Treaty in accordance with 
Article 128; 5/ Whereas any Community 
initiative to promote the "European City 
of Culture" must satisfy predefined 
objectives and use the resources provided 
for by the Treaty in accordance with 
Article 128; 
5/a. Whereas the study which has been 
carried out of the results achieved by 
1{uropean Cities of Culture shows that the 
event has a positive impact in terms of 
media resonance, cultural and tourist 
development and the realization by 
i 11habitants of the importance of their city 
having been chosen; 
5/h. Whereas the positive effects have 
nonetheless not always produced results 
lasting beyond the duration of the project 
itself and whereas the attention of public 
decision-makers in the cities chosen 
should be drawn to the need to integrate 
the cultural project into a dynamic 
medium-term process 
5/c. Having regard to the dual 
i!nportance of this initiative both for 
strengthening local identity and for 
I {uropean integration; 
>/(!. Whereas this initiative may be of 
€ 
6/Whereas, in compliance with the 
principles for action laid down by 
Article 128, a "European City of Culture" 
is to be selected each year to organise a 
cultural project on a specific, European 
theme, possibly in association with other 
European cities; particular importance for medium-sized 
cities; 
6/Whereas, in compliance with the 
principles for action laid down by Article 
128, a European City of Culture is to be 
selected each year to organise a cultural 
project of such a nature as to lend 
effective support to cultural creativity on 
a theme based on its own identity, 
specific characteristics, history and 
future, supported by its own living 
economic, social and cultural forces and 
geared to the desire to contribute to 
European cultural development in all its 
diversity; 
6/a. Whereas the project should be 
developed in association with other 
European cities, since such an 
arrangement is likely to be beneficial; 
whereas the city which submits an 
application must, for reasons of 
consistency, assume responsibility for 
programming vis-à-vis the European 
authorities and the partner cities; 
7/ Whereas the "European Cultural 7/Whereas the "European Cultural 
Month" event should be discontinued; Month" event should be discontinued; 
8/ Whereas the Community has in 
the past made a contribution, to the 
"European City of Culture" and the 
"European Cultural Month" events under 
the Kaleidoscope Programme, which is 
due to expire in 1998;2 
9/ Whereas the Council adopted a 
Decision on 30 June 1997 calling on the 
Commission, in accordance with 
Article 152 of the EC Treaty, to conduct 
a study prior to presenting proposals for a 
single programme for culture by 
May 1998, into which an Action 
"European City of Culture" will be 
incorporated, including funding 
arrangements, 8/Whereas the Community has in the past 
made a contribution to the "European 
City of Culture" and the "European 
Cultural Month" events under the 
Kaleidoscope Programme, which is due 
to expire in 1998;2 
9/Whereas the Council adopted a 
Decision on 30 June 1997 calling on the 
Commission, in accordance with 
Article 152 of the EC Treaty, to conduct 
a study prior to presenting proposals for a 
single programme for culture by 
May 1998, into which an Action 
"European City of Culture" will be 
incorporated, including funding 
arrangements, 
^ 
HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 
Article 1 Article 1 
The Community shall organise a 
promotional initiative entitled "European 
City of Culture". The purpose shall be to 
highlight the richness and diversity of 
European cultures, and the features they 
share, and promote greater mutual 
acquaintance between Union citizens. The Community shall organise a 
promotional initiative entitled "European 
City of Culture". The purpose shall be to 
highlight the richness and diversity of 
European cultures, and the features they 
share, and promote greater mutual 
acquaintance between Union citizens. 
Article 2 Article 2 
From 2002, the "European City of 
Culture" shall be chosen in accordance 
with the following procedure: 
- three years before the event is due to 
begin, the Member States concerned 
shall submit to the Commission an 
application for the town or towns, as 
described in Article 3, for the year in 
question; 
- the Commission shall form a 
Selection Panel which shall deliver its 
opinion on the applications, judged 
against the objectives and 
characteristics of this Action. The 
Selection Panel shall be composed of 
seven leading independent figures of 
whom two shall be appointed by 
Parliament, two by the Council, two 
by the Commission and one by the 
Committee of the Regions. The 
Selection Panel shall present its 
opinion to the Commission; From 2002, the "European City of 
Culture" shall be chosen in accordance 
with the following procedure: 
- three years before the event is due to 
begin, the Member States concerned 
shall submit to the Commission an 
application for the town or towns, as 
described in Article 3, for the year in 
question; 
- the Commission shall each year form 
a Selection Panel which shall deliver 
its opinion on the applications, judged 
against the objectives and 
characteristics of this Action. The 
Selection Panel shall be composed of 
seven leading independent figures 
who are experts on and are from the 
cultural sector, of whom two shall be 
appointed by Parliament, two by the 
Council, two by the Commission and 
one by the Committee of the Regions. 
Membership of the Selection Panel 
shall be incompatible with the 
exercise of any public elective office. 
The Selection Panel shall elect a 
on a arapaaaf nw* là» Cowrowwion 
anal after It* European Parliament IKLS 
••an comufcad, tha Council, acting by 
quaJifiad majority, shall designate the 
'Euroatan CHy of Culture' for the 
yaar in 
Tha application muat present it cultural 
project focusing on a specif*; European 
theme and baaed principally on cultural 
cooperation, in accordance with the 
objectives and measures provided lor by 
Article 128 of the EC Treaty. The project 
may be organised in association with 
other European cities. 
The application must specify how, within 
the scope allowed by the theme, the 
applicant city intends: 
- to highlight artistic movements and 
styles shared by Europeans which it has 
inspired or to which it has made a 
significant contribution; 
- to promote cultural events and works 
involving people active in culture from 
other cities in Member States of the 
Union and leading to lasting cultural 
cooperation; 
- to receive citizens of the Union and 
reach as wide an audience as possible for 
the various events by employing a 
multimedia, multilingual approach; and chairman from amon% its rnambera 
The Sctectkm Panel shtill present its 
t)f>fnkm k) I he ( '(MIHIHSSHH». 
- on a proposal from the Commiaakm 
and after the European Parliament has 
been consulted, the Council, acting by 
qualified majority, shall designate the 
'European City of Culture' fer the 
year in question 
ArtfclaS 
The application must present a cultural 
project focusing on a specific European 
tliemc and based principally on cultural 
cooperation, in accordance with the 
objectives and measures provided for by 
Article 128 of the EC Treaty. The project 
may be organised in association with 
other European cities, to be chosen by the 
proposing city, which shall lead the 
project throughout. 
The application must specify how, within 
the scope allowed by the theme, the 
applicant city intends: 
- to highlight artistic movements and 
styles shared by Europeans which it has 
inspired or to which it has made a 
significant contribution; 
- to promote events involving people 
active in culture from other cities in 
Member States of the Union and leading 
to lasting cultural cooperation, and to 
facilitate their movement within the 
I{uropean Union; 
- to support and develop creative work, 
which is an essential element in any 
cultural policy; 
- to ensure the mobilization and 
participate>n of large sect ions of the 
population and, as a consequence, the 
social impact of the Action and its 
continuity beyond the year of the 
festivities: 
- to encourage the reception of citizens of 
the Union and the widest possible 
dissemination of the various events by 
employing all forms of multimedia, 
3 
- to promote dialogue between European 
cultures and those from other parts of the 
world. particularly audiovisual media, by 
creating an Internet site and by means of 
a multilingual approach, in order that as 
wide a public as possible in the city, the 
Union as a whole and beyond can 
participate in the cultural programmes 
; i nd there by promote the initiation of 
lasting cultural cooperation projects; 
- to promote dialogue between European 
cultures and those from other parts of the 
world and, in that spirit, to optimize the 
opening up to, and understanding of, 
others, which are fundamental cultural 
values; 
- to optimi/.e the historic heritage, urban 
design and the quality of urban life, 
which are indissociable from the cultural 
dimension of cities, and, in particular, 
highlight the relationship between using 
the existing heritage and contemporary 
creative work. 
Article 4 A Hide 4 
The countries of the European Economic 
Area, the associated countries of central 
and eastern Europe, Cyprus and European 
third countries which have concluded 
cooperation agreements with the 
Community containing a cultural clause 
shall be allowed to participate in this 
initiative. The countries of the European Economic 
Area, the associated countries of central 
and eastern Europe, Cyprus and European 
third countries which have concluded 
cooperation agreements with the 
Community containing a cultural clause 
shall be allowed to participate in this 
initiative. 
Article 5 Article 5 
The Commission shall be responsible for 
the implementation of this intiative Each 
year it shall produce a report evaluating 
the results of the previous year's event. 
This report shall be presented to 
Parliament, the Council and the 
Committee of the Regions. The Commission shall be responsible for 
the implementation of this intiative Each 
year it shall produce a report evaluating 
the results of the previous year's event. 
This report shall be presented to 
Parliament, the Council and the 
Committee of the Regions. 
Article 6 Article 6 
This initiative, containing detailed 
information on procedure and closing 
dates for submission of applications, shall 
be published each year in the C Scries of 
the Official Journal of the European 
Communities. This initiative, containing detailed 
information on procedure and closing 
dates for submission of applications, shall 
be published each year in the C Series of 
the Official Journal of the European 
( Communities. 
Article 7 Article 7 
This Decision shall enter into force on This Decision shall enter into force on 
See report by Mr Augias PE 211.116/1 m of 27 Msirch 1995; 
Amended Commission proposal COM(95) 37"? final of 28 July 1095; 
Decision 719/96 of 29 March 19% (rccilal 11 ) establishing a programme to support artistic 
and cultural activities having a European dimension (Kaleidoscope). 
See European Parliament and Council Decision 719/96 of 29 March 1996 establishing the 
Kaleidoscope Programme (Action 4). 
/il 

ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(98) 350 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 16 13 14 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-98-360-EN-C 
ISBN 92-78-36916-0 
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