WRITTEN QUESTION P-2525/99

by Rosa Miguélez Ramos (PSE) to the Commission

(16 December 1999)

Subject: Cultural heritage status of city walls

The Community is promoting the conservation of our cultural heritage by means of the Raphael programme, on the basis of an action for the preservation of the European architectural heritage. Since 1989, it has promoted, each year, a particular aspect of architecture, including: theatres; gardens; religious monuments; industrial, craft and agricultural architecture, etc.

This action is supported by the public, since it facilitates identification of the common cultural roots of the peoples of Europe. The national, regional and local administrations are also cooperating to ensure its success.

Europe has numerous walled cities that offer a rich cultural heritage, crowned by the wall itself. Roman and medieval walls of this nature have helped preserve the character of these cities and shaped their development and city plan. Among these walls, particular attention should be paid to the Roman wall of Lugo, which dates from the third century AD, given its historical and artistic value and the fact that it has been preserved intact. The inhabitants and city council of Lugo have therefore asked Unesco to included this wall on the world heritage list.

Does the Commission consider that the future framework programme for culture could include, under an action for the conservation of the European architectural heritage, a year devoted to walled cities of particular historic and artistic interest?

In view of the job-creating potential of culture, is the Commission considering the possibility of using Structural Fund monies to finance the work required for the preservation and upkeep of the Roman wall of Lugo?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(20 January 2000)

The Culture 2000 programme, as agreed by the Parliament and the Council, envisages supporting projects which aim to exchange methods and disseminate best practices in the field of cultural heritage preservation and its enhancement through European partnerships. The theme proposed by the Honourable Member is within the context of the general objectives. To devote a year to a specific theme would therefore result in discrimination against other equally important themes. Should the authorities concerned propose a project that meets the objectives and eligibility criteria for the Culture 2000 programme, which will be published early this year in the Official journal, the Commission would be glad to consider such an application.

Enhancing the value of Europe's cultural heritage may certainly prove to be an important source of employment for certain regions and cities. This consideration has already led to assistance being accorded by the structural funds, as in the 1994-1999 operational programme (OP) for Galicia, through measures 3.2.1 and 3.2.2, which are wholly devoted to the recovery and restoration of historic and cultural resources. Given the importance the Commission attaches to this type of measure, it cannot be excluded that similar actions might be set up in the next, 2000-2006 operational programme for Galicia, which is now in conception. Nevertheless, in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, it is not for the Commission to decide on the inclusion of Lugo's Roman walls in the above-mentioned operational programme but, rather, for the national, regional or local authorities.