WRITTEN QUESTION E-0015/00

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(19 January 2000)

Subject: Projects for the restoration of Kosovo's cultural heritage

In its answer to my Written Question E-1587/99(1) on the restoration of historic monuments damaged by the war in Yugoslavia, the Commission stated that it does not itself have competence to take any measures for the protection of Kosovo's cultural heritage. Nevertheless, the subject was raised by Commissioner Reding at the recent Council of Ministers for Culture in November 1999, and it was stressed that, after February 2000, projects would be considered with a view to listing the measures required for the preservation of Kosovo's cultural heritage.

Does the Commission have anything to add to its reply to the points raised in Written Question E-1587/99 following the Council of Ministers for Culture?

1. In what way does it intend to support restoration work?

2. Has a specific restoration programme been drawn up, including scientific studies, timetables and priorities?

3. Will similar attention be paid to the restoration of monuments damaged in the remainder of Yugoslavia?

(1) OJ C 170, 20.6.2000, p. 41.

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(28 February 2000)

Following the recent meeting of the Culture Council and the member responsible for Education and Culture's statement as to the initiative to be undertaken for measures required for the preservation of Kosovo's cultural heritage, the Commission would like to inform the Honourable Member that a covenant has been concluded with the Council of Europe.

This foresees the establishment of a high level group of experts in the field of cultural heritage with the aim to propose solutions to problems arising from the damage and destruction of cultural property in Kosovo. The membership of the high level group of experts will be determined through close consultation between the Commission, the Council of Europe and the International Administration of Kosovo and other international institutions and non-governmental organisations such as International Council of monuments and sites (Icomos), International Council of museums (ICOM), Center for international restoration studies in Rome (Unesco) (Iccrom), International federation of association for the protections of Europe's cultural and natural heritage (Europa Nostra).

With the involvement of and co-ordination with the International Administration of Kosovo, the Agency for reconstruction (established by Council Regulation (EC) No 2454/99 of 15 November 1999 amending Regulation (EC) No 1628/96 relating to aid for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in particular by the setting up of a European agency for reconstruction(1)) and the authorities at local, regional or federal level the aim of the high

level of group of experts is after a survey, to identify in detail the damage and destruction of cultural property, mainly architectural or archaeological heritage (monuments and/or sites) of all ethnic and religious groups throughout Kosovo; to establish a list of priorities for intervention based on the survey; and to assist in setting-up teams of experts from local, regional or federal levels, representing all ethnic and religious groups of the region, who should draw up feasibility studies or intervention plans for the priorities established in by the survey.

As to the remainder of Yugoslavia the Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member to its reply to his previous written question E-1587/99(2).

(1) OJ L 299, 20.11.1999.

(2) OJ C 170, 20.6.2000, p. 41.