Legislative resolution embodying Parliament' s opinion on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing a support programme in the field of books and reading (Ariane) (COM(94)0356 - C4-0198/94 - 94/0189(COD)) (Codecision procedure: first reading)
Date: 1995-04-07
Institutions: Committee on Culture and Education, European Parliament
Subjects: Council of Europe, cultural prize, cultural transmission, literature, translation













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51995AP0073

Legislative resolution embodying Parliament' s opinion on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing a support programme in the field of books and reading (Ariane) (COM(94)0356 - C4-0198/94 - 94/0189(COD)) (Codecision procedure: first reading)  


Official Journal C 109 , 01/05/1995 P. 0289 





A4-0073/95Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing a support programme in the field of books and reading (Ariane) (COM(94)0356 - C4-0198/94 - 94/0189(COD))The proposal was approved with the following amendments:(Amendment 1)Title>Original text>Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing a support programme in the field of books and reading (Ariane)>Text following EP vote>Proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing a support programme in the field of books and reading through translation (Ariane)(Amendment 2)Recital -1 (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas in Greek mythology Ariadne gave Theseus the thread with which he found his way out of the labyrinth and the Ariane programme for translation might therefore be the thread with which people could acquire better knowledge of the history and culture of each of the Member States, and especially of the countries with less widely known languages;(Amendment 3)Recital -1a (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas culture and cultural life are essential to the development and influence of the European Union;(Amendment 4)Recital 1a (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas access to culture helps Europeans to understand and respect one another and fosters the development of a European citizenship;(Amendment 5)Recital 1b (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas in the age of the information society books are still one of the principal media for the dissemination of knowledge;(Amendment 6)Recital 1c (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas the complementary relationship between books and audiovisual technology must be taken into account;(Amendment 7)Recital 1d (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas although literary translations are of great importance, other measures to promote books and reading also need to be encouraged, as recommended by the European Parliament (Gutenberg programme) in its resolution of 21 January 1993 on promoting books and reading in Europe1;__________________1 OJ C 42, 15.2.1993, p. 182.(Amendment 8)Recital 1e (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas any Community programme in the field of books needs to take account of their dual nature as both an economic and a cultural good;(Amendment 9)Recital 1f (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas in accordance with Article 128(4) of the EC Treaty ('The Community shall take cultural aspects into account in its action under other provisions of this Treaty'), the economic rules must be adjusted to take account of the specific cultural characteristics of books (prices, VAT, etc.), leading to a better dissemination of works of literature, particularly those translated thanks to the ARIANE programme;(Amendment 10)Recital 1g (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas Community programmes in the field of education and culture must contribute to encouraging reading as a leisure pursuit of particular importance;(Amendment 11)Recital 1h (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas the family, in the first place, and schools, in the second, should remain the principal places for the learning and encouragement of reading, thereby guaranteeing equal access to books for all;(Amendment 12)Recital 1i (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas it is important to distinguish, in the book production chain, between creation, publishing, translation and dissemination and the ARIANE programme must be viewed as a first step towards a Community policy to promote books;(Amendment 13)Recital 2a (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas, in the absence of translation, many literary treasures remain inaccessible to those without a command of the language in which they are published;(Amendment 14)Recital 3>Original text>Whereas it is necessary to encourage high-quality translation of literary works within the Community, in particular by advanced training in this field;>Text following EP vote>Whereas it is necessary to encourage high-quality translation of literary works within the Community, in particular by advanced training in this field and by the adoption of a professional status for translators;(Amendment 15)Recital 3a (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas, in order to achieve the desired aim, it is essential that professionals in the field covered by this programmes be kept informed;(Amendment 16)Recital 3b (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas European literary prizes provide an important stimulus to reading and whereas the introduction of a prize for television programmes on books might have more impact that the existing European literary prize, which merely duplicates national prizes;(Amendment 17)Recital 4, indent 2a (new) and indent 3>Text following EP vote>- the Commission communication of 3 August 1989 on books and reading: a cultural challenge for Europe,>Original text>- the Parliament Resolution on promoting books and reading in Europe,>Text following EP vote>- the Parliament resolutions of 10 July 1987 on the Commission communication to the Council on the European dimension with regard to books1 and of 21 January 1993 on promoting books and reading in Europe,>Text following EP vote>____________________1 OJ C 246, 14.09.1987, p. 136.(Amendment 18)Recital 4a (new)>Text following EP vote>Having regard to the resolutions adopted at the conferences of professionals in the field held as part of the awareness-raising campaign to promote books and reading, launched on the initiative of the Commission and of the Council of Europe;(Amendment 19)Recital 4b (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas, in spite of the priority which the Community authorities have given to promoting books and reading, the limited funds allocated to it are not sufficient to give material effect in the immediate future to a comprehensive book promotion policy;(Amendment 20)Recital 6a (new)>Text following EP vote>Having regard to the modus vivendi between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as regards measures to implement the acts adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 189b of the EC Treaty, adopted on 20 January 1995;(Amendment 21)Recital 6b (new)>Text following EP vote>Whereas, in accordance with the provisions laid down in Article 3(1) and (3) of the current Financial Regulation, the Commission has submitted the financial statement, comprising the planned schedule of annual requirements for the duration of the programme in question; whereas this financial statement, updated in accordance with the decisions of the budgetary authority and in line with the state of execution of the authorized appropriations, must be forwarded to the budgetary authority together with the preliminary draft budget;(Amendment 22)Article 2, first indent>Original text>- to encourage wider dissemination of works of contemporary literature that are representative of the culture of the Member States, giving priority to translations of works in the lesser known languages of the Community and promoting them through emblematic measures,>Text following EP vote>- to encourage wider dissemination of works of contemporary literature that are representative of the culture of the Member States, giving priority to translations of works in the lesser known languages which are official or indigenous languages in the Member States of the European Union and promoting them through emblematic measures,(Amendment 23)Article 4, first paragraph>Original text>In carrying out the programme the Community and the Member States shall foster cooperation with non-member countries and with competent international organizations in the cultural sphere, and in particular the Council of Europe; every care shall be taken in relations with the latter to avoid duplication and ensure the complementarity of the measures proposed, while respecting the identity and autonomy of each institution and organization.>Text following EP vote>In carrying out the programme the Community and the Member States shall foster cooperation with non-member countries and with the Council of Europe and other competent international organizations in the cultural sphere, such as UNESCO; every care shall be taken in relations with the latter to avoid duplication and ensure the complementarity of the measures proposed, while respecting the identity and autonomy of each institution and organization.(Amendment 24)Article 4, second paragraph>Original text>Specific arrangements are set out in the Annex for opening up the programme to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe that have signed and ratified association agreements with the European Community containing a clause on cultural affairs.>Text following EP vote>Specific arrangements are set out in the Annex for opening up the programme to the European countries deemed to fulfil the conditions for accession to the European Union (Cyprus and Malta), the countries which have signed the Agreement on the European Economic Area and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe that have signed and ratified association or cooperation agreements with the European Community containing a clause on cultural affairs.(Amendment 45)Article 5, second paragraph a and b (new)>Text following EP vote>This Advisory Committee shall be composed of experts selected by the Commission from a list of names submitted by each Member State and shall be chaired by a Commission representative.>Text following EP vote>In the Member States in which culture falls within the competence of the regional authorities, the latter shall also be represented.(Amendment 26)Article 6, first paragraph>Original text>The representative of the Commission 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.>Text following EP vote>In accordance with the provisions laid down in the modus vivendi of 20 January 1995 and the associated procedures, the representative of the Commission 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.(Amendment 27)Article 6, second paragraph>Original text>The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State shall have the right to ask for its position to be recorded in the minutes.>Text following EP vote>The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; each member of the Committee shall have the right to ask for his/her position to be recorded in the minutes.(Amendment 28)Article 7>Original text>After the programme has been in operation for two years, and within six months of that period, the Commission, having consulted the Committee referred to in Article 5, shall present a report on the result achieved to the European Parliament and the Council, and, where necessary, make appropriate proposals.>Text following EP vote>After the programme has been in operation for two years, the Commission shall present a detailed report on the result achieved to the European Parliament and the Council, and, where necessary, make appropriate proposals. This report shall place particular emphasis on the synergies developed by the Member States and the improved dissemination of literature in the less widely-used languages.>Original text>On the expiry of the programme, the Commission, acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 6, shall submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation and results of the programme.>Text following EP vote>On the expiry of the programme, the Commission shall submit a detailed report to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation and results of the programme.(Amendment 29)ANNEX, title>Original text>COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAMME IN THE FIELD OF BOOKS AND READING>Text following EP vote>COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAMME IN THE FIELD OF BOOKS AND READING THROUGH TRANSLATION(Amendment 30)ANNEX (I)(1)(a), paragraph 3>Original text>In order to qualify, works must already have been translated and published in two Community languages (in addition to the original language). The grant is to subsidize translation into two additional languages.>Text following EP vote>In order to qualify, works must already have been translated and published in two languages which are official or indigenous languages in the Member States of the European Union (in addition to the original language). The grant is to subsidize translation into two additional languages.(Amendment 31)ANNEX (I)(1)(a), paragraph 4, first sentence>Original text>In order to give priority to less well-known languages, works written in these languages can be directly eligible for a grant to subsidize translation into two additional Community languages, without having been previously translated into other Community languages.>Text following EP vote>In order to give priority to less well-known languages, works written in these languages can be directly eligible for a grant to subsidize translation into two additional languages which are official or indigenous languages in the Member States of the European Union, without having been previously translated into other Community languages.(Amendment 32)ANNEX (I)(1)(a), paragraph 4, first sentence a (new)>Text following EP vote>Works written in the most widely used Community languages by authors from smaller countries (e.g. English from Ireland or French from Luxembourg) may be eligible for a translation grant without having been previously translated into two other languages.(Amendment 33)ANNEX (I)(1)(a), paragraph 4a (new)>Text following EP vote>In this connection, it is important to consider giving special support to works produced by young authors and to new writers in general. Similarly, applications from small independent publishing companies should be given preference in order to ensure better representation of the diversity of literary works.(Amendment 34)ANNEX (I)(1)(a), paragraph 5, last sentence>Original text>The grant may cover up to 100% of the translator's fee negotiated according to the usual market practice.>Text following EP vote>The grant may cover up to 100% of the translator's fee negotiated according to the usual market practice and up to 100% of the publishing and distribution costs involved after the translation work is completed.(Amendment 35)ANNEX (I)(1)(a), paragraph 5a (new)>Text following EP vote>Priority shall be given to publishers who have not previously had Community grants for the translation of works.(Amendment 36)ANNEX (I)(1)(c), paragraph 8>Original text>The Commission will periodically distribute a list with details of the works translated under this scheme.>Text following EP vote>The Commission will distribute annually a list with details of the works translated under this scheme.(Amendment 37)ANNEX (II)(1), paragraph 4a (new)>Text following EP vote>Encouraging cooperation between publishers at European level, by creating a database containing the details of books available in the book trade, of publishing houses and their specialist fields, with a view to supporting the co- production and co-publication of European works.(Amendment 38)ANNEX (II)(1), paragraph 4b (new)>Text following EP vote>Encouraging measures to promote literary works translated with the help of the ARIANE programme (bearing the cost of promotional visits from chosen authors, presentation of their books to libraries, posters, etc.).(Amendment 48)ANNEX (II)(2), indent 3>Original text>support for pilot and innovatory projects with a European dimension aimed at promoting reading and European literature among young people, carried out by the competent authorities, particularly local authorities and structures with a quasi-educational purpose, associations, networks, foundations (including research and pilot projects to fight against illiteracy and deliteracy),>Text following EP vote>support for pilot and innovatory projects with a European dimension aimed at promoting reading and European literature among young people, carried out by the competent authorities, particularly local authorities and structures with a quasi-educational purpose, associations, networks, foundations (including research and pilot projects to fight against illiteracy and deliteracy); support for experiments in reading for blind persons, such as the publication of sound or braille versions of translated works,(Amendment 40)ANNEX (II)(3)(b), sole paragraph a (new)>Text following EP vote>To this end, encouragement must be given to the training of professionals in this field, particularly publishers, librarians and booksellers, in new technologies and other multimedia tools; particular attention must be given to electronic literary editions which will become more important. Problems of copyright in this instance for both the authors and translators should be considered.(Amendment 41)ANNEX (II)(3)(c), second paragraph a (new)>Text following EP vote>Consideration must be given to setting up in the Community semantics databases (listing semantic difficulties and peculiarities) to help technical and literary translators. The Translation Centre in Luxembourg might be used to house such databases.(Amendment 46)ANNEX (III)(1)>Original text>In line with the conclusions of the Copenhagen European Council (21 - 22 June 1993), a number of programmes have to be opened up to countries of Central and Eastern Europe that are party to Europe agreements (Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Slovenia, Romania). This applies particularly to agreements in the cultural field. Title 7 of the European agreements on culture refers explicitly to translation. Sections I and II of the ARIANE programme must therefore be opened up to these other countries. The Association Councils will decide the terms of this participation. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe will themselves meet the extra costs arising from their involvement. If necessary, and under certain conditions, a contribution could be made from the Community budget.>Text following EP vote>In line with the conclusions of the Copenhagen European Council (21-22 June 1993), a number of programmes have to be opened up to the European countries deemed to fulfil the conditions for accession to the Union (Cyprus and Malta), to countries of Central and Eastern Europe that are party to European agreements (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania). This applies particularly to agreements in the cultural field. Title 7 of the European agreements on culture refers explicitly to translation. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe which have signed cooperation agreements (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Albania and Slovenia) must also have the opportunity of taking part in the programme. Sections I and II of the ARIANE programme must therefore be opened up to these other countries. The Association Councils will decide the terms of this participation. The countries of Central and Eastern Europe will themselves meet the extra costs arising from their involvement. If necessary, and under certain conditions, a contribution could be made from the Community budget.(Amendment 43)ANNEX (III)(2), third paragraph>Original text>Efforts will be made to achieve synergy with the competent international organizations, and the Council of Europe in particular, while respecting the identity and autonomy of each institution and organization.>Text following EP vote>Efforts will be made to achieve synergy with the Council of Europe and other competent international organizations, such as UNESCO, while respecting the identity and autonomy of each institution and organization.Legislative resolution embodying Parliament's opinion on the proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision establishing a support programme in the field of books and reading (Ariane) (COM(94)0356 - C4-0198/94 - 94/0189(COD))(Codecision procedure: first reading)The European Parliament,- having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council, COM(94)0356 - 94/0189(COD) ((OJ C 324, 22.11.1994, p. 11.)),- having regard to Article 189b(2) and Article 128 of the EC Treaty, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C4-0198/94),- 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 (A4-0073/95),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.