WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2589/97 by Hilde HAWLICEK to the Commission. Cultural Capitals of Europe and European Cultural Month
Date: 1997-07-29
Institutions: European Parliament, HAWLICEK
Subjects: European symbol, Treaty on European Union, capital city, cultural cooperation, cultural event, cultural policy

C 82/114

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

17. 3. 98

› 

the  level  of  analysis  of  data  and  exploitation  and  dissemination  of  results  of  research  undertaken  in  the
Member States and at European level.

This  is  the  level  of  intervention  of  the  European  centre  for  the  development  of  vocational  training
(CEDEFOP)  which,  according  to  its  founding  regulation,  supports  initiatives  facilitating  a  concerted
approach to vocational training issues in the Community. These studies enable the Commission and all those
involved  in  this  policy  area  (such  as  decision-makers  in  Member  States,  social  partner  organisations,
practitioners) to have a clearer understanding of the developments taking place across the Community and to
identify trends in order to draw conclusions for future action.

In addition, in the context of the Community(cid:146)s structural policy, the European social fund (ESF) also finances
research into education and training, in particular in the less developed areas of the Community. This includes
special  measures  in  the  operational  programmes  such  as  (cid:145)Teaching  and  initial  training(cid:146)  and  (cid:145)Research  and
development(cid:146).

The  Community(cid:146)s  (cid:145)Human  resources(cid:146)  initiatives,  in  the  framework  of  the  (cid:145)Employment(cid:146)  and  (cid:145)Adapt(cid:146)
programmes,  also  allow  for  the  carrying  out  of  survey  and  studies  related  to  the  programmes(cid:146)  priorities  and
objectives.

It  is  clear  that  thematic  linkages  exist  between  these  activities.  That  is  why  the  Commission  attaches  great
importance to co-ordination in order to avoid duplication of efforts and to generate the best possible synergy.

Although the Commission is striving for greater concentration, rationalisation and flexibility in the preparation
of the 5th R&D framework programme and in its preliminary thoughts on the future of the Leonardo da Vinci
programme,  the  three  levels  of  intervention  highlighted  above  remain  separate  and  serve  clearly  distinct
objectives.

Decision-makers,  social  partners,  promoters,  researchers  and  research  institutes  involved  and  interested  in
research on education and training are well aware of these distinctions and of the various funding possibilities.
Given these elements, the Commission does not think there is an immediate need for regrouping of the financial
resources allocated for this purpose.

(98/C 82/188)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2589/97

by Hilde Hawlicek (PSE) to the Commission

(29 July 1997)

Subject: Cultural Capitals of Europe and European Cultural Month

After the year 2000, Cultural Capitals of Europe and the European Cultural Month will lapse.

What action is to be taken thereafter with regard to these two institutions?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(22 September 1997)

The Commission has stated that at the beginning of next autumn it will present a proposal for specific action
based on Article 128 of the EC Treaty to enhance the European dimension of this event and to involve more
operators and artists from the various Member States in joint projects.

Moreover, the Commission would draw Parliament’s attention to the special situation prevailing in the year 2001.
Given the time required to adopt a proposal based on Article 128 and the need to give organisers sufficient time
to make the necessary preparations, the Commission feels it would be preferable for its proposal for a decision to
cover the year 2002 to 2006, with the Council of Ministers (culture) designating this event for the year 2001 for
the last time in accordance with existing procedure.