Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and the Committee of the Regions - First European Community framework programme in support of culture (2000-2004)
Date: 1998-05-06
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, cultural cooperation, cultural policy, cultural relations, project of common interest

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN  COMMUNITIES 

Brussels,  06.05.1998 
COM(1998) 266  final 

98/0169 (COD) 

Communication  from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council and 
the Committee of the Regions 

FIRST EUROPEAN COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK  PROGRAMME  IN 
SUPPORT OF CULTURE  (2000-2004) 

Proposal for a 
EUROPEAN  PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL  DECISION 

establishing  a single financing and programming  instrument  for 
cultural cooperation  (Culture 2000  programme) 

(presented by the  Commission) 

First framework  programme in support of culture  (2000-2004) 

Table of contents 

Communication  from the Commission  to the European  Parliament,  the Council  and 
the Committee of the Regions 

Introduction 

A new approach to culture 

The foundations  of the framework  programme 

tasks and cultural competence of the Community 

evaluation of Community  action in the field  of culture 

a procedure for in-depth  consultation 

Aims and methods of the new approach 

Proposal  for  a  European  Parliament  and  Council  Decision  establishing  a 
single financing 
cooperation 
(Culture 2000  programme) 

and  programming 

instrument 

cultural 

for 

Integrating  cultural  aspects  explicitly  into  the  Community's  actions  and  policies  -
Commission  orientation  document 

Communication  from the Commission  to the European  Parliament, the Council  and 
the Committee of the Regions 

Introduction 

For  the  European  Union,  the  first  framework  programme  in  support  of  culture  is  an 
opportunity  to  implement  a new  approach  to  Community  cultural  action,  enabling  it  to 
respond to today's challenges and to meet the aspirations of both the European public and 
the  cultural  sector  itself.  This  new  approach  explicitly  responds  to  the  requests  and 
wishes  of  Parliament  and  the  Council,  the  latter  having  asked  the  Commission,  in  its 
Decision of 22 September  1997 regarding the future  of European cultural action, to set up 
""a guiding,  comprehensive  and transparent approach for  cultural  action,  [...]  including, 
inter alia, the establishment  of a single instrument for programming  and financing".  This 
new  approach  is  being  proposed  at  a time  when  the  European  Union  is  entering  a  key 
period  of  its  history,  with  the  introduction  of  economic  and  monetary  union  and  the 
prospect of enlargement  on an unprecedented  scale. 

The  in-depth  consultations  undertaken  by  the  Commission  as part  of  the  preparation  of 
the  framework  programme  clarified  the role and the place of culture in meeting the great 
challenges  now  facing  the  European  Union.  A  broad  consensus  emerged  between  the 
Member  States,  Members  of  the  European  Parliament,  the  Commission,  international 
organizations (Council of Europe, UNESCO) and cultural  organizations  that culture is no 
longer  restricted  to  "highbrow"  culture  (fine  arts,  music,  dance,  theatre,  literature). 
Today, the concept  also covers popular culture, mass-produced  culture, everyday  culture. 
This  broadening  of  the  definition  is  a consequence  of  the  fact  that  culture  is  no  longer 
considered  a  subsidiary  activity  but  a  driving  force  in  society,  making  for  creativity, 
vitality,  dialogue  and  cohesion.  It  is  therefore  intrinsic  to  any  response  to  the  major 
challenges that we face  today: 

• 

• 

the  acceleration  of European  integration,  with  the  decision  to  introduce  the  euro 
and  the  decision  taken  at  the  Luxembourg  European  Council  to  start  the 
enlargement  process which will  eventually  lead  to a 26-country  Union. Faced  with 
this prospect,  cultural  action  must  help  express  a European  citizenship  based  on  a 
knowledge  and  mutual  comprehension  of  European  cultures  and  an  awareness  of 
the features  common to such cultures; 

globalization,  which raises important  questions  on the  future  of every culture. Will 
globalization  be  a source  of  mutual  enrichment  or  of homogenization?  Will  it  rob 
the individual  cultures of their individuality, or expand the range of possibilities  for 
cultural  expression? The powers conferred  on the European  Union mean that it acts 
on behalf  of  its citizens  and the various  European  cultures  in  international  forums, 
including  those  international  bodies  where  the  relationship  between  globalization 
and  respect  for  cultural  diversity  is  being  played  out.  The  European  Union 
preserves  the  identities  and  the cultural  rights  of  each  community;  the  public  need 
not  consider  the  Union  as  something  which  dilutes  their  cultural  identities,  but 
rather as something which guarantees the existence and flowering  of their cultures; 

• 

• 

• 

the  information  society.  The  new  information  and  communication  technologies, 
which  give  scope  for  new  realities  and  new  areas  of  culture  (cyberculture),  offer 
cultural  dialogue, 
considerable  opportunities 
transmission  of  ideas  and  information  on  cultural  output.  It  is  important  to 
remember that  cultural  goods  and  services  have intrinsic value  and  that  technology 
contributes  to  the  realization  of  cultural  aims,  including  the  dissemination  of 
culture and the promotion of cultural  and linguistic  diversity; 

for  mutual  understanding, 

employment.  The  Extraordinary  European  Council  on  employment,  held  in 
Luxembourg  in  November  1997,  underlined  the  importance  of  ''harnessing  in a 
more  systematic,  more  deliberate  way  than  hitherto  of  all  Community policies  in 
support of employment''. 

The  work  of  the  Commission's  services  on  "culture,  the  cultural  industries  and 
employment" confirms  that cultural activities represent  an important  reserve of jobs 
of which good use needs to be made; 

social  cohesion.  As  a  result  of  unemployment  and  insecurity,  social  ties  are 
being loosened  and  exclusion  is  becoming  a  serious  issue,  particularly  in  and 
around  our  cities.  Social  exclusion  means  cultural  exclusion  too.  In  many  cases, 
cultural  activities  help  the  marginalized,  particularly  young  people,  to  reintegrate 
into society. 

issues  of 
As  a  result  of  migration,  most  European  cities  now  deal  with 
multiculturalism.  Does  our  society  provide  the  necessary  crucible  for  effective 
and tolerant  social  integration,  or  does  it  simply  constitute  the  juxtaposition  o\ 
to  promote 
cultures  without  any  real 
integration on  the  basis  of  fundamental  values  such  as  human  rights,  freedom. 
solidarity and tolerance. 

links?  The  European  Union  needs 

I. 

A new approach  to culture 

Since the Treaty  on  European  Union  was  signed,  the  Community  has  taken  a number oï 
initiatives, through which it has: 

• 

• 

shown  that,  apart  from  its  achievements  in  the  economic  and  monetary  fields,  the 
European  project  extends  to  the  entirety  of  European  society  and  must  involve 
European citizens to a greater extent; 

started to integrate the cultural  dimension  into  those of  its decisions  which  have an 
impact  on culture, and to ensure that  Europe's  cultural  and  linguistic  creativity  and 
diversity  are respected  in international  forums; 

implemented  the  three  programmes  encouraging  cultural  cooperation  in  the  arts 
(Kaleidoscope), literature (Ariane) and heritage (Raphael); 

helped  develop  relations  between  culture,  the  culture  industries  and  employment, 
on  the  basis  of  the  Commission's  work  showing  the  importance  of  cultural 
activities in society and the potential  for job creation that they represent. 

Given  the  importance  of  culture  for  the  future  development  of  the  European  Union  and 
for  the response to today's main challenges, the Community's  cultural  action needs to be-
renewed  and  strengthened.  This  renewal  must  be  led  in  the  terms  advocated  in 
Agenda 2000, which was adopted by the Commission  in July  1997 and which makes the 
development  and  reorganization  of  the  Community's  internal  policies  to  meet  these 
challenges a top priority. Agenda 2000 also highlights the role of culture in the process of 
enlargement  to  the  countries  of  central  Europe:  "participation  of  acceding  countries  in 
Community  cultural,  educational  and  training  activities  will  help  to  build  closer  links 
with  these  countries,  and  will  provide  an  enriched  experience for  all  involved."  As 
regards the financial  aspects, and in the context  of enlargement,  Agenda  2000 states that: 
"the effects of enlargement  will vary from  programme  to programme.  Although  increases 
in  line  with  the  new  countries  GNP  would  be  appropriate  for  a  good  number  of 
programmes,  requirements  may  be greater  in  certain  areas.  This  will  be  the  case  for 
policies  where the population  or language concerned  are more  relevant  as  criteria  than 
GNP (education/training, culture information  etc)". 

The  approach  adopted  for  the  framework  programme  in  support  of  culture  (2000-2004), 
pursuant  to  Article  128  of  the  EC  Treaty,  and  taking  into  account  the  objectives  and 
priorities  expressed  by the Commission,  the Parliament  and the  Council,  looks to offer  a 
comprehensive  and transparent vision  of the Community  actions  in support  of culture, 
as compared with the first phase of cultural action over the period  1994-99. These actions 
are many and varied, but often  fragmented  which can be detrimental to the  Community's 
image  among  the European  public, who  are unaware  that  such  efforts  are being  made  to 
preserve and promote their cultures or that the cultural  dimension  is taken into account  in 
furthering  European  integration. 

Based  on  this  comprehensive  and  transparent  vision,  the  new  approach  to  culture  will 
develop around two principal  axes, contained  in the framework  programme: 

1. 

The  rationalization  and  simplification  of  Community  action  in  favour  of  cultural 
cooperation  using  a  single  instrument  for  financing  and  programming  which  will 
succeed the Ariane and Kaleidoscope programmes, and which will bring to and end 
the Raphael programme. 

2. 

The  explicit  integration  of culture  into  Community  action  and  policies?  As  shown 
in a Commission orientation  document. 

II.  The foundations  of the framework  programme 

The  framework  programme, which has been drawn up in accordance with the legal bases 
for  cultural  action,  is  the  fruit  of  in-depth  consultations  with  cultural  institutions  and 
groups  as  well  as  the  evaluation  of  the  current  programmes  (Ariane,  Kaleidoscope 
and Raphael). 

1.  Community competence in the field of culture 

In  its  preamble,  the  Treaty  on  European  Union  expresses  the  intention  of  the 
Member States to "mark a new stage in the process  of European  integration",  to "deepen 
the solidarity  between their peoples  while respecting their history, their culture and their 
traditions",  and to "establish  a citizenship  common  to nationals  of  their  countries".  The 
principle  of  a  specific  cultural  competence  is  set  out  in  Article  3(p),  which  states  that 
Community action is to include "a contribution to [...] the flowering  of the cultures of the 
Member  States". 

Article  128 of the EC Treaty gives the Community  a specific  legal basis  for  action in the 
field of culture. 

(a)  Areas  of cultural action 

Community  action  in  the  field  of  culture  will  not  replace  Member  States'  own  action. 
In line  with  the  need  to  maintain  cultural  diversity,  which  is  a  priority  for  the 
European Community,  its  field  of  intervention  is  the  European  dimension  of  European 
cultures,  i.e.  the  values  and  elements  that  are  common  to  the  different  national  and 
regional cultures. This'is stated twice in Article  128: in paragraph  1, which stipulates that 
Community  action  must  "[bring]  the  common  cultural  heritage  to  the fore"  and  in 
paragraph  2,  which  mentions  "cultural  heritage  of  European  significance".  The 
Community's method of intervention is based on cooperation. 

The areas of cultural  action are mentioned  in Article  128(2): mutual  awareness, heritage, 
cultural exchanges, artistic and literary creation. 

(b)  The external component of cultural action 

When implementing  its cultural  action or any measures which have an impact  on culture, 
the  Community  pursues  the  following  objectives  in  external  relations:  ensuring  that 
cultural  differences  and  diversity  are  maintained;  promoting  dialogue  and  cooperation 
with the other world  cultures; contributing  to the profile  of European  cultures  elsewhere 
in  the  world;  and  contributing  to  cultural  development  in  developing  countries.  In  this 
context,  the  Community's  partners  are  the  Member  States,  non-member  countries,  and 
international organizations. Agreements fall into various categories: 

• 

• 

• 

international trade agreements which may have an impact on culture; 

cultural agreements based on Article  128(3) of the EC Treaty; 

cooperation agreements with a cultural clause. 

(c)  Means of cultural action 

Community  cultural  action  is  being  developed  on  the  basis  of  Article  128(5)  which 
provides  for  incentive  measures  (excluding  any harmonization)  to  achieve the  objectives 
referred  to in Article  128. 

Article  128 also provides  that the  Council  may  adopt  recommendations  which,  although 
not binding, would have legal effect  and would be useful  instruments  for guiding national 
cultural  legislation. 

Article  128(4)  also  stipulates  that  "the  Community  shall  take  cultural  aspects  into 
account in its action under other provisions  of this Treaty". This is an essential  provision, 
expressing  the  determination  of the  States  that  are party  to the  Treaty  to  include  culture 
among the Union's  major  objectives.  It embodies  the European  Community's  obligation 
to take cultural objectives  into consideration across the whole range of its activities. 

Article  128(4) thus reinforces  the requirement that the European  institutions reconcile the 
different  objectives  of  the  Treaty  when  they  adopt  a  measure  or  legislative  instrument. 
The Community  must respect this obligation  in the exercise of its powers, whether  in the 
field  of  Community  law  (right  of  establishment,  freedom  of  movement  for  individuals 
and  goods,  competition,  common  commercial  policy)  or  in  deciding  how  to  implement 
support policies. 

2. 

Lessons learnt from the evaluation  of the Community's  cultural  action 

The Commission has carried out two evaluations of the first phase of cultural  action. 

The  first  evaluation  looked  at  the  implementation  of  the  first  generation  of  cultural 
programmes  set  up  by  the  Community  on  the  basis  of  Article  128:  Kaleidoscope 
(Decision  No 719/96/EC  of  29 March  1996),  for  artistic  and  cultural  activities;  Ariane 
(Decision  No 2085/97/EC  of  6 October  1997),  for  books  and  reading;  and  Raphael 
(Decision No 2228/97/EC of  13 October  1997), devoted to cultural heritage. 

The  appropriations  set  aside  for  these  programmes  were  set  at  ECU 26.5 million  for 
Kaleidoscope  (1996-98),  ECU 7 million  for  Ariane  (1997-98)  and  ECU 30 million  for 
Raphael (1997-2000), with a review scheduled halfway  through each programme. 

Three main priorities are common to these programmes: 

cooperation  between  operators  in  the  cultural  sector,  particularly  as  regards  the 
exchange of information,  experience and knowledge; 

public access to and participation in culture; 

promotion of artistic creation and cultural heritage. 

If  the  pilot  schemes  launched  since  1994  are  included,  applications  for  nearly  9 000 
projects  were  submitted  to  the  Commission  over  the  period  1994-97.  Projects  which 
received  Community  funding  during  the  same  period  represented  15%  of  these 
applications,  i.e.  1400  projects  (511  for  Kaleidoscope,  488  for  Ariane  and  392 
for Raphael). 

(a)  Transnational cooperation 

This support has been behind the development  of active cooperation  involving more than 
3 500  cultural  operators.  In  1994  and  1995  the  average  number  of  partners  per  project 
was about  three, but  subsequently  there was  a significant  increase:  each project  involved 
four partners on average in  1996 and six in  1997. 

In most  cases, these programmes  helped both to strengthen  existing national  cooperation 
and to extend this cooperation to other Member States. 

In  the  case  of  museums,  for  example,  while  there  had  already  been  transnational 
cooperation on  18% of the projects  financed,  on 49% there was only national  cooperation 
at  the  start,  which  then  became  transnational;  the  transnational  partnerships  which  were 
already  being  developed  by  the  other  33% were  extended  to  new  partners  from  other 
Member  States.  In  overall  terms,  Community  support  thus  had  a  real  impact  on 
cooperation between museums in over 80% of cases. 

(b)  Public access and participation 

Public  access  to  cultural  events  and  heritage  has  been  another  dimension  to  these 
programmes. Of the operators  supported by Kaleidoscope, 70% stated that their  audience 
had  increased.  Under  the  Raphael  programme,  access  has  also  been  improved,  in 
particular by opening  sites  and  collections  that were previously  closed  to  the public, but 
also by means  of  signposting,  catalogues, websites,  CD-ROMs,  etc. However,  given  the 
duration  of  the  projects  financed  (three  years),  it  is  not  yet  possible  to  assess  the  full 
impact  of  these  measures  on  the  public.  The  Ariane  programme  has  encouraged  public 
access  to  books  and  reading,  both  through  the  translation  of  contemporary  literature 
(218 books translated) and through promotion activities. 

(c)  Promotion  of artistic creation and the cultural  heritage 

Overall,  these  three programmes  have  contributed  to  the  development  and  improvement 
of  events  involving  dance  and  theatre  (182),  music  and  opera  (125)  and  other  sectors 
(204),  the  wider  dissemination  of  literary  works  (218)  and  the  conservation  and 
restoration  of sites  and buildings  (200) of importance  for  the European  cultural  heritage. 
In  certain  cases,  these  projects  could  not  have  been  completed  as  successfully  without 
Community support, which has made cooperation  and exchanges of experience possible. 

Shortcomings detected in the first phase of cultural  action 

The  actions  carried  out  in  the  field  of  culture  over  the  period  1994-98,  particularly 
through the Kaleidoscope, Ariane and Raphael programmes, have unquestionably  helped 
reinforce  and extend  transnational partnerships  (which  is one of the priorities  for  cultural 
operators), improve public access to culture and promote European cultural activities. 

However,  as  far  as  cultural  cooperation  is  concerned,  there  has  been  a. failure  to  create 
lasting  structures.  The  partnerships  that  have  been  created  to  date  will  not  necessarily 
continue in the long term and are not generating networks. 

The  fact  that  the programmes  cover  a very broad  range  of  activities  has  led  to  a  certain 
fragmentation  of budgetary  resources  and  actions, reducing  the  visibility  of  Community 
intervention,  even though  over the last  few  years  there has been  a move  towards  greater 
concentration  in order to prevent  resources being  spread too thin: the rate of coverage of 
the financial  requirements  of the projects  selected rose  from  15%  in  1995 to nearly  30% 
in  1997, but  this  is  still  not  enough.  On  average,  over  the  1994-98  period,  Community 
support  per  project  came  to  ECU 38 000  for  Kaleidoscope,  ECU 8 500  for  Ariane  and 
ECU 72 000  for  Raphael.  Given  the  number  of  countries  covered  by  the  programmes, 
these are minimal  figures. 

As  a result  of  the  very  nature  of  the  programmes  (first,  compartmentalization  prevents 
synergies from developing between the different  cultural fields and, secondly, the modest 
size  of the  actions  undertaken has  impeded  the  development  of  lasting  cooperation)  the 
overall  impact  of Community  intervention  has been  less than expected.  The  consultation 
process has confirmed  this assessment. 

The  second  evaluation  examined  the  way  in  which  the  various  Community  measures 
and policies had taken account of cultural  aspects and how these measures had reconciled 
cultural  aims with the objectives  in pursuance of which they were  adopted. To this end a 
"First  report  on  the  consideration  of  cultural  aspects  in European  Community  action" 
(COM(96)  160  final)  was  drawn  up  and  sent  to  Parliament,  the  Council  and  the 
Committee of the Regions. 

In its conclusion to this report, the Commission  stated that "although  considerable  means 
are devoted  to  cultural  activities  or  activities  with  a  cultural  dimension,  the  operations 
implemented  are not,  or  are rarely,  covered  by a specific policy  which  is a  response  to 
the  tasks assigned  to  the  Community  in the  cultural field'' and  indicated  its  intention  to 
ensure that  "in  the definition  and  implementation  of support policies,  the  objectives  and 
the means of each instrument  having an effect on the cultural  field  [are]  consistent  with 
the objectives and the means of Community cultural policy  ". 

Supplementing  the  internal  measures  adopted  for  this  purpose  by  the  Commission 
(Decision of  10 October  1997), the framework programme provides an opportunity to put 
into practice this intention, which has been  endorsed  by Parliament,  the  Council  and the 
Committee of the Regions. 

3. 

The results of the in-depth  consultation 

For  the  preparation  of  the  framework  programme,  the  Commission  undertook  in-depth 
consultations,  probably  the  widest  consultations  which  have  ever  been  conducted  on 
cultural issues within the European Union. Seminars on the future  of cultural  action were 
organized  under  the  Irish  presidency  (September  1996)  and  the  Dutch  presidency 
(April  1997),  adding  the  contributions  of  key  cultural  figures  to  the  Council  and 
Commission's own discussions. 

Questionnaires  were  sent  to  the  Member  States  of  the  Union,  the  Member  States  of 
the European  Economic  Area,  Cyprus  and  the  Associated  States  of  Central  and 
Eastern Europe, and to European cultural organizations, many of which replied. 

The culmination  of these  consultations  was the European  Union  Cultural  Forum, held  in 
the 
Brussels  on  29  and  30 January  1998  and  attended  by  representatives  from 
Commission,  Parliament,  the Member  States, the  EEA  States  and  the  Associated  States, 
plus  numerous  organizations  and 
the  world  of  culture.  The 
European Parliament  also held  a number  of hearings  of cultural  organizations,  which  the 
Commission  also  attended.  Recent  papers  by  the  Council  of  Europe  ("In  from  the 
margins")  and  UNESCO  ("Our  creative  diversity",  a  report  by Mr  Perez  de  Cuellar) 
were also consulted. 

individuals  from 

The  consultation  process  revealed  a number  of  common  positions  and  concerns.  Seven 
main points  emerged: 

Q 

• 

Q 

• 

Q 

• 

• 

The first message touched on the question  of content, in that it was pointed  out that 
the  current  programmes  were  too  rigid  and  that,  consequently,  the  funds  available 
(which,  it  was  felt,  were  inadequate)  were  being  spread  too  thin.  There  is  a 
contradiction  in  the  fact  that  the  procedures  are  long,  complex  and  bureaucratic, 
whereas  the  projects  funded  are  small,  without  long-term  impact.  The  next 
generation  of  programmes  must  endeavour  to  concentrate  activities,  to  establish 
lasting structures and to simplify  administration, while encouraging  communication 
and cooperation between operators on more structured cooperation  projects. 

The  second  message  concerns  the  importance  of  culture  in  European  integration: 
culture is of fundamental  value to Europe. Yet  in the Community  there  is too  little 
awareness of the cultures which make up Europe and the open  and  diverse  cultural 
area  common  to  the  European  people.  Such  awareness  needs  to  be  increased  in 
order to promote European  integration. 

The  third  message  is  that  culture  is  increasingly  emerging  as  a  driving  force  in 
society,  a  source  of  vitality,  dynamism  and  social  development.  Cultural  creation 
therefore  be  made  a  priority,  as  it  is  the  essential  part  of  any-
should 
cultural  activity. 

The  fourth  message  is  that  culture  is  unique.  Cultural  goods  and  services  are  not 
goods  or  services  like  any  other.  They  should  not  be  governed  uniformly  by 
market-regulating  mechanisms.  They  require  a  regulatory  framework  which 
respects cultural diversity and promotes creation. 

The  fifth  message  underlines  that  culture  is  able  to  strengthen  social  cohesion, 
especially  in  vulnerable  areas  or  among  marginalized  groups  of  the  population. 
Culture,  through  cultural  exchange  and  dialogue,  consolidates  peace,  which  is one 
of the primary goals of European  integration. 

The  sixth  message  highlights  the  fact  that  culture  has  great  importance,  not  just 
within  the  Community,  but  also  in  terms  of relations  between  the  Community  and 
its  external  partners.  Culture  is an  asset for  the  Union 's external policy.  It  is  also 
necessary  to  maintain  the  link  between  Europe  and  the  millions  of  European 
migrants who live and work in non-member countries. 

The seventh message  is that each European  citizen must have the right of access to 
culture  and  to  express  his  creativity.  The  recognition  of  cultural  rights  is  an 
important  objective. 

10 

III.  Objectives  and means of the new approach 

The  new  Community  approach  in  the  field  of  culture  has  a  limited  number  of  general 
objectives,  which  correspond  to  the  goals  set  for  the  Community  in  the  cultural  sector, 
which  feature,  in particular  in  Article  128: to  capitalize  on  the  cultural  area  common  to 
the  European  people  by  highlighting  cultural  characteristics  common  to  the  European 
people;  to  respect  and  promote  cultural  diversity;  to  use  creativity  as  a  source  of 
sustainable development within the cultural  area common to the European people; to use 
culture  to  contribute  to  social  cohesion;  to  increase  the  profile  of  European  cultures  in 
non-member countries and to foster  dialogue with the other cultures of the world. 

To obtain these objectives, the Commission will present: 

• 

• 

a proposal  for a Decision of the European Parliament  and the Council establishing a 
single financial and programming  instrument  for cultural cooperation  (2000-2004); 

an  orientation  document  to  achieve  the  explicit  integration  of  cultural  policy  in 
Community policy and action. 

1. 

The Financial  Instrument 

Reinforcing  the  effectiveness  of  cultural  cooperation  actions,  reorganized  into  a  single 
financing  and  programming  instrument  (entitled:  "programme")  established  for  the 
period  2000-2004,  which  will  succeed 
three  existing  cultural  programmes 
(Kaleidoscope, Ariane and Raphael). In accordance with Agenda 2000, the new means of 
action  for  cultural  cooperation  have  been  drawn  up  with  the  intention  of  avoiding  an 
overly  dispersed  effect  through  actions which  are not  able to  achieve  significant  impact. 
The  support  granted  by  the  Community  must,  therefore,  be  oriented  towards  cultural 
projects  with  a  genuine  Community  dimension  and  which  have  real  effect.  The 
programme  looks  to  support  cooperation  between  artists,  cultural  operators  and  cultural 
institutions in the Member  States, with the following  specific  objectives  in mind: 

the 

Q 

the  mutual  knowledge  of  the  culture  and  history  of  the  European  people,  thus 
revealing their common cultural heritage, and encouraging cultural dialogue; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

encouraging  creativity,  the  international  dissemination  of  culture  and  greater 
movement of artists and their creations; 

the  promotion  of  cultural  diversity  and  the  development  of  new  forms  of  cultural 
expression; 

the contribution of culture to socio-economic  development; 

to highlight the European importance of cultural heritage; 

G 

to encourage European cultures in third countries, and dialogue with other countries 
around the world. 

In  accordance  with 
necessary priorities. 

these  objectives, 

the  Commission  will  regularly  define 

the 

11 

The  supported  activities  will  be  multiannual  cooperation  agreements  concluded  by 
cultural operators from a number of Member  States, large scale European  or  international 
cooperation  actions, innovative  activities in the Community  and/or third  countries. All of 
these  elements  are  included  in the  proposed  European  Parliament  and  Council  Decision 
establishing  a  single  financing  and  programming  instrument  for  cultural  cooperation, 
2000-2004. 

2. 

The explicit integration  of cultural aspects into Community  action  and policies 

Article  128(4)  of  the  EC  Treaty  requires  the  Community  to  take  cultural  aspects  into 
account  in  its  actions.  The  purpose  of  this  Communication  is  therefore  to  set  out  the 
guidelines  intended  to  enhance  the  image,  impact  and  coherence  of  Community  actions 
and  instruments  which  impinge  directly  or  indirectly  on culture  during  the period  of  the 
framework  programme  (2000-2004).  This  approach  is  a  response  to  the  concerns 
expressed  by  the  other  Community  institutions  and  the  Committee  of  the  Regions 
since the  appearance  of  the  "FirsiAReport on  the  consideration  of  cultural  aspects  in 
European  Community  action",  adopted  by 
the  Commission  on  18  April  1996 
(COM(96)  160 final). 

Three  main  lines  of  action  will  be  explored  in  the  period  2000-2004,  with  a  view  to 
incorporating cultural aspects into Community policies: 

a legislative framework favourable  to culture; 

the cultural dimension of support policies; 

culture in the Community's  external relations. 

These elements are elaborated in the orientation document  of the Commission. 

12 

Proposal for a 
EUROPEAN  PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL  DECISION 

establishing  a single financing  and programming instrument  for 
cultural cooperation  (Culture 2000 programme) 

(Text with EEA relevance) 

THE  EUROPEAN  PARLIAMENT  AND  THE  COUNCIL  OF  THE 
EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having  regard  to  the  Treaty  establishing  the  European  Community  and  in particular  the 
first indent of Article  128(5) thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission1, 

Having regard to the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions2, 

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article  189b of the Treaty3, 

1.  Whereas  culture  is  an essential  element  of European  integration  and  contributes  to 
the  affirmation  and  the  vitality  of  the  European  model  of  society  and  to  the 
Community's  influence  on the international  scene; 

2.  Whereas,  culture  tends  to  expand  beyond  its  traditional  boundaries  and  into  the 
social  and  economic  spheres;  whereas,  for  that  reason,  it  has  an  important  role  to 
play  in meeting  the  new  challenges  facing  the  Community,  such  as  globalization, 
the information  society, social cohesion and the creation of employment; 

3.  Whereas,  in  view  of  the  growing  importance  of  culture  for  European  society  and 
the  challenges  facing  the  Community  at  the  dawn  of  the  21st  century,  it  is 
important to increase the effectiveness  and consistency  of Community measures  in 
the  cultural  field  by  proposing  a single  guidance  and  programming  framework  for 
the  period  2000-2004,  bearing  in  mind  the  need  for  the  Community  policies 
concerned  to  take  greater  account  of  culture;  whereas  in  this  respect,  the 
Council Decision  of  22  September  19974  calls  upon  the  Commission  to  make 
proposals  with  a  view  to  establishing  a  single  instrument  for  programming  and 
financing aimed at the implementation  of Article 128; 

4.  Whereas,  if  citizens  give  their  full  support  to  and  participate  fully  in  European 
integration, greater emphasis should be placed on their common cultural values and 
roots  as a key  element  of their  identity  and  their  membership  of  a society  founded 
on freedom, democracy,  tolerance  and  solidarity;  whereas  a better balance  must  be 

OJC 
OJC 
OJC 
OJC  305, 7.10.1997, p. 1. 

13 

achieved  between  the  economic  and  cultural  aspects  of  the  Community  so  that 
these aspects can complement  and sustain each other; 

5.  Whereas  the  Treaty  confers  responsibility  on  the  European  Union  for  creating  an 
ever-closer  union  among  the  peoples  of  Europe  and  for  contributing  to  the 
flowering  of the cultures of the Member  States, while respecting their national  and 
regional  diversity  and  at  the  same  time  bringing  the  common  cultural  heritage  to 
the fore; 

6.  Whereas  the  Community  is  consequently  committed  to  working  towards  the 
development  of a cultural  area common to the European people, which  is open and 
varied  and  founded  on the principle  of  subsidiarity,  cooperation  between  all  those 
involved  in the cultural  sector, the promotion  of a legislative  framework  conducive 
to cultural  activities  and  ensuring respect  for  cultural  diversity,  and  the  integration 
of the cultural dimension into Community policies; 

7.  Whereas,  to  bring  to  life  the  cultural  area  common  to  the  European  people,  it  is 
essential to encourage creative activities, promote cultural heritage with a European 
dimension, encourage mutual awareness of the culture and history of the peoples of 
Europe, and support cultural exchanges with a view to improving the  dissemination 
of knowledge and stimulating cooperation  and creative activities; 

8.  Whereas there is a need,  in this context, to promote  greater  cooperation with  those 
engaged  in  cultural  activities  by  encouraging  them  to  enter  into  cooperation 
agreements  for  the  implementation  of  joint  projects,  to  support  more  closely 
targeted  measures  having  a high  European  profile,  to  provide  support  for  specific 
and  innovative  measures  and  to  encourage  the  establishment  of  forums  for 
exchanges and dialogue on selected topics of European  interest; 

9.  Whereas  the  Kaleidoscope,  Ariane  and  Raphael  cultural  programmes  set  out, 
respectively,  in  Decision  No  719/96/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the 
Council5,  in  Decision  No  2085/97/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the 
Council6  and  in  Decision  No  2228/97/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the 
Council7  marked  the  first  positive  stage  in  the  implementation  of  Community 
action on culture; whereas, however, the Community's  cultural endeavours must be 
simplified  and  reinforced; 

10.  Whereas,  in  accordance  with  the  Commission's  communication  "Agenda  2000", 
the  effectiveness  of  measures  at  Community  level  must  be  increased,  notably  by 
concentrating  the  resources  available  for  internal  policies  - including  cultural 
action - in such a way that they are not dissipated  on measures which would not be 
able  to  make  a  significant  impact;  whereas  the  Community's  cultural  action  must 
consequently  lead  to  the  implementation,  within  the  cultural  area  common  to  the 
European people, of projects with a genuinely Community dimension, visible to the 
people and having a real impact; 

5  OJL  99, 20.4.1996, p. 20. 
6  OJL  291, 24.10.1997, p. 26. 
7  OJL  305, 8.11.1997, p. 31. 

14 

11.  Whereas  considerable  experience  has  been  acquired,  particularly  through  the 
the  wide-ranging 
first-generation  cultural  programmes, 
evaluation  of 
consultation  of  all  interested  parties  and  the  results  of  the  Cultural  Forum  of  the 
European Union held on 29 and 30 January  1998; 

the 

12.  Whereas  the  conclusions  of  the  European  Council  at  Copenhagen  on  21  and 
23 June  1993 called  for the opening of Community programmes  to the countries of 
Central and Eastern Europe which have signed association  agreements; whereas the 
Community  has  signed,  with  some  third  countries,  cooperation  agreements  which 
contain a cultural clause; 

13.  Whereas this Decision will establish for the duration of this programme, a  financial 
package  which  constitutes  the  privileged  reference  point  referred  to  in  Point  1 of 
the European  Parliament,  Council  and  Commission  Declaration  of  6 March  19958, 
for the budgetary authorities in the context of the annual budgetary procedure; 

14.  Whereas,  in  accordance  with  the  subsidiarity  and  proportionality  principles 
established  by  Article  3b  of  the  Treaty,  the  objectives  of  the  action  envisaged, 
namely the setting-up  of a single instrument  for  the  financing  and programming  of 
cultural  cooperation,  cannot be adequately  attained  by the Member  States  and may 
therefore,  by  reason  of  the  scale  or  effects  of  the  action,  be  better  attained  at 
Community  level; whereas  this Decision  limits  itself  to  the  minimum  required  for 
the  attainment  of  those  objectives  and  does  not  go  beyond  what  is  necessary  to 
that end; 

15.  Whereas  this  programme  should  be  the  only  programme  operating  from  the  year 

2000; whereas therefore  Decision No 2228/97/EC should be repealed, 

HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS: 

Article 1 
Duration  and objectives 

A single programming  and  financing  framework  for  Community  measures  in the field of 
culture,  hereinafter  referred  to  as  "the  Culture  2000  programme",  is  hereby  established 
for the period from 1  January 2000 to 31 December 2004. 

The  "Culture  2000"  programme  shall  contribute  to  the  promotion  of  a  cultural  area 
common to the European people, supporting cooperation between creative artists, cultural 
operators  and  the  cultural  institutions  of  the  Member  States  in  order  to  attain  the 
following  objectives: 

(a) 

the  mutual  knowledge  of  the  culture  and  history  of  the  European  people, 
the  role  of 
by highlighting  their  common  cultural  heritage  and  promoting 
cultural dialogue; 

(b) 

creativity,  the  trans-national  dissemination  of  culture  and  the  movement  of  artists 
and their works; 

OJC  102, 4.4.1996, p. 4. 

15 

(c) 

the  promotion  of  cultural  diversity  and  the  development  of  new  forms  of 
cultural  expression; 

(d) 

the contribution of culture to socio-economic  development; 

(e) 

the promotion of cultural heritage having European dimensions; 

(f) 

the spread of European cultures into non-member countries and dialogue with other 
world cultures. 

The "Culture  2000" programme  shall  ensure  an effective  linkage with measures  adopted 
under other Community policies and having cultural implications. 

Article 2 
Types of cultural  action 

The objectives  listed in Article  1 shall be achieved by the following  means: 

(a) 

integrated 
cooperation  agreements; 

projects 

covered 

by 

structured,  multiannual 

cultural 

(b)  major projects with a European and/or international  dimension; 

(c) 

specific,  innovative  and/or  experimental  projects  within  the  Community  and/or  in 
non-member countries. 

The projects  and their implementing measures are described in the Annex. 

Article 3 
Budget 

The finance  for implementing the "Culture 2000" programme  for the period referred  to in 
Article  1 shall be ECU  167 million. 

The annual appropriations  shall be authorized by the budgetary  authority within the limit 
set by the financial  perspective. 

Without  prejudice  to any agreements  or conventions  to which  the Community  is a party, 
the organizations  or firms receiving support through the "Culture 2000" programme  shall 
be  owned,  either  directly  or  through  a  majority  shareholding,  by  the  Member  States 
and/or nationals of Member States and shall remain in their ownership. 

Article 4 
Implementation 

The  Commission 
shall 
"Culture 2000" programme. 

be 

responsible 

for 

the 

implementation 

of 

the 

The Commission  shall be assisted by an Advisory Committee made up of  representatives 
of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. 

16 

The Commission representative  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. 

The opinion  shall be recorded  in the minutes; in  addition,  each Member  State  shall  have 
the right to request that its position be recorded in the minutes. 

The  Commission  shall  take  the  utmost  account  of  the  opinions  delivered  by  the 
Committee.  It  shall  inform  the  Committee  of  the  manner  in  which  its  opinion  has  been 
taken into account. 

Article 5 
Non-member states and international  organizations 

The  "Culture  2000"  programme  shall  be  open  to  participation  by  the  countries  of  the 
and  also  to  participation  by  Cyprus  and  the  associated 
European  Economic  Area 
countries  of Central  and  Eastern  Europe  in  accordance  with  the  conditions  laid  down  in 
the  Association  Agreements  or  in  the  Additional  Protocols 
to  the  Association 
Agreements  relating  to  participation  in  Community  programmes  concluded  or  to  be 
concluded with those countries. 

The  "Culture  2000" programme  shall  also  permit  cooperation  with  other  non-member 
countries  which  have  concluded  association  or  cooperation  agreements  containing 
cultural  clauses,  on  the  basis  of  additional  funds  made  available  in  accordance  with 
procedures to be agreed with the countries in question. 

The "Culture 2000" programme  shall permit joint  action with international  organizations 
competent in the field of culture, such as UNESCO or the Council of Europe, on the basis 
of  joint  contributions  and  in  accordance  with  the  various  rules  prevailing  in  each 
institution or organization for the realization of the projects  listed in Article 2. 

Article 6 
Evaluation 

During 2002 the Commission shall present to Parliament, the Council and the  Committee 
of  the  Regions  a  detailed  assessment  report  on  the  results  of  the  "Culture  2000" 
programme, having regard  to its objectives,  and  accompanied  if necessary by  a proposal 
for the amendment of this Decision. 

On completion of the "Culture 2000" programme, the Commission  shall present  a report 
on  its  implementation  to  the  European  Parliament,  the  Council  and  the  Committee  of 
the Regions. 

17 

Article 7 
Repeal 

Decision No 2228/97/EC is repealed with effect  from  1  January 2000. 

Article 8 
Entry into  force 

This Decision shall enter into force on  1  January 2000. 

Done at Brussels, 

For the European Parliament 
The President 

For the  Council 
The President 

18 

ANNEX 

The  aim  of  the  "Culture  2000"  programme  is  to  encourage  creative  activity  and  the 
knowledge  and dissemination  of the culture of the European peoples, notably  in the field 
of  music,  literature,  the  performing  arts,  the  fixed  and  movable  heritage,  and  the  new 
forms  of cultural  expression, by fostering  cooperation between cultural  organizations  and 
operators  and the cultural  institutions  of the Member  States, and by  supporting  measures 
which,  by  their  European  scope  and  character,  promote  the  spread  of  European  cultures 
both inside and outside the Union. 

The  Commission  will  regularly  define  the priorities  necessary  for  the  implementation  of 
the programme. 

I. 

Description  of measures 

1. 

Integrated  projects  covered  by  structured,  multiannual  transnational  cultural 
cooperation  agreements 

The  Commission  will  encourage  cultural  operators,  organizations  and  institutions  in  the 
various  Member  States  to  join  forces  and  work  together  to  carry  out  structured, 
multiannual  cultural  projects  both  within  the  Community  and  outside  it.  This  will 
through  networks.  The  proposed  "cultural  cooperation 
be particularly  encouraged 
agreements", which  cover  a maximum  period  of three years, will  involve  some  or  all  of 
the following  measures: 

• 

• 

Co-productions  and  other  large-scale  cultural  events  (e.g.  exhibitions,  festivals, 
etc.),  especially  in  the  field  of  live  arts, literature  and  the  artistic  heritage,  making 
them accessible to the largest possible number of Community citizens; 

Cultural  events  (involving  the  performing  arts,  the  plastic  or  visual  arts,  the 
artistic heritage, etc.) and tours within  the Community to bring European  culture to 
a wider audience; 

•  Measures involving several different  cultural disciplines, for example: 

trans-sectoral  integrated  projects  (combining  the  creative  arts,  heritage  and 
new  technologies,  for  example)  to  enhance  locations, buildings,  sites,  events 
or cultural projects requiring substantial  investment; 

cultural  operations  to  impart  economic  momentum,  combining  all  or  part  of 
the  occupational  process  from  creation  and  design  to  the  technical  or  other 
jobs essential to the completion of such operations; 

•  Measures to develop  further  training  and mobility  for  those  engaged  in the  cultural 
professions  (artists, restorers, museum curators, etc.) in both academic  and practical 
terms, including the use of the new technologies; 

19 

•  Measures  to highlight  to citizens  the  richness  and  diversity  of the  cultural  heritage 
(fixed,  movable  or  intangible),  to  teach  Europeans  about  their  common  cultural 
values and roots, to encourage mutual awareness of each other's culture and history 
and  to  promote  cultural  dialogue  (studies  and  research,  information,  teaching  and 
the  dissemination  of  knowledge,  seminars,  congresses  and  meetings  on  cultural 
topics of European importance). 

The  Committee  referred  to  in  Article 4  having  been  consulted,  the  Community  grants 
support  for  the  implementation  of  "cultural  cooperation  agreements".  This  support  is 
intended  to cover,  in addition  to part  of the project's  financing,  the costs  entailed  by  the 
establishment  of  lasting  multiannual  cooperation  in  a  form  legally  recognized  in  one  of 
the Member  States of the Union. For the agreement  to be eligible, operators  from  at least 
seven  States  participating  in  the  "Culture  2000"  programme  must  be  involved  in  the 
measures covered by the programme. 

Community support may not exceed 60% of the cultural cooperation  agreement's  budget. 
It may not be less than ECU 200 000 or more than ECU 350 000 a year. 

This support may be raised by a maximum  of 20% in order to cover the costs of network 
creation and managing of cooperation agreements. 

2.  Major  projects 

These projects, substantial in scale and in scope, should strike a significant  chord with the 
people of Europe and help to increase their sense of belonging to the same community  as 
well as making them aware of the cultural diversity of Europe. 

These projects include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the  European  City  of  Culture,  for  which  the  selection  procedure  is  established  in 
the European Parliament and Council Decision  of...; 

a European Union cultural  festival  of the performing  arts in the country holding the 
Presidency of the Union; 

the introduction  of European Days in certain major  international  cultural  events, so 
that  artists  or  intellectuals  from  other  Member  States  or  countries  associated  with 
the "Culture 2000" programme can take part; 

enhancement  of  an  event,  monument  or  cultural  site  which  is  representative  of  a 
common  cultural  trend,  located  within  the  Union,  of  European  importance,  of 
major  symbolic value and accessible to the public; 

recognition of great artistic talents; 

as  a  result  of  the  cultural  dialogue  both  inside  and  outside  the  Community,  the 
organization of a Cultural Forum of the European Union; 

the broadcasting  across frontiers of major  events using the new technologies  of the 
information  society,  including  cross-border  television  broadcasting  of  cultural 
events,  such  as  debates,  artistic  presentations,  art  works,  etc.  (assistance  with 
reception, translation, dubbing, sub-titles, etc.); 

20 

• 

the  organization  of  innovative  operations  pertaining 
and culture. 

to  education,  the  arts 

Community  support  for  such  projects  may  not  be  less  than  ECU 200 000  or  more  than 
ECU  1 million. 

3. 

Specific projects 

Each  year  the  Community  will  support  cooperation  projects  originating  with  cultural 
operators  from  different  Member  States  on  the  basis  of  priorities  defined  after 
consultation  of  the  Committee  referred  to  in  Article 4  of  this  Decision.  These  projects, 
which  must  involve  at  least  four  Member  States,  must  be  innovative  and  experimental 
and have the following  main aims: 

D 

• 

D 

D 

• 

to  encourage  the  emergence  and  spread,  alongside  culture  in  the  classic  sense,  of 
new forms of cultural expression (nature, solidarity, science, peace, etc.); 

to  facilitate  access  to  culture  and  wider  cultural  participation  by  the  people  of 
Europe, 
the  most 
underprivileged,  and especially young people; 

regional  diversity, 

their  social  and 

including 

in  all 

to  support  the creation  of multimedia  tools, tailored  to meet  the needs  of  different 
publics,  and  thus  make  European  artistic  creation  and  heritage  more  visible  and 
more accessible to all; 

to  encourage 
initiatives,  discussions  and  cooperation  between  cultural  and 
socio-cultural operators working in the field of social integration,  especially  that of 
young people; 

to  promote  the  profile  of  European  cultures  in  third  countries,  in  particular 
from 
encouraging  cooperation  between 
the Member  States  with  a  presence  in  third  countries,  on  themes  which  are  of 
European interest. 

institutes  and/or  cultural  services 

Community support for specific  measures may not be less than ECU 50 000 or more than 
ECU 100 000. 

II.  Coordination with the other Community instruments in the field of culture 

The  Commission  will  ensure  coordination  with  other  Community  instruments  active  in 
the cultural  sphere through  cooperation  agreements, major  projects  and  specific  projects, 
mainly  with  a  view  to  promoting  and  arranging  for  collaboration  between  sectors  with 
common and converging interests, such as: 

culture and tourism (through cultural tourism); 

culture  and  education  (in  particular,  presentations  to  schools  and  colleges  of 
audiovisual  and  multimedia  products  on  European  culture,  with  commentaries  by 
creative or performing  artists); 

culture  and  employment  (encouraging  the  creation  of jobs  in  the  cultural  sector, 
especially in the new cultural areas); 

21 

culture and external relations; 

cultural statistics resulting from an exchange of comparative  statistical  information 
at Community level. 

III.  Communication 

Recipients of Community aid must mention this support  explicitly, and as prominently  as 
possible, in all information  or communications relating to the project. 

IV.  Technical assistance and accompanying  actions 

In the execution  of the "Culture  2000" programme,  the  Commission  may  have  recourse 
to technical  assistance  organizations,  for  which  the  financing  is planned  within  the  total 
funding  of the programme.  It may  also, under  the  same  conditions, make use  of  experts 
or  networks  of  experts.  In  addition,  the  Commission  may  arrange  evaluative  studies  as 
well  as  organize  seminars,  colloquia  or  other  experts  meetings  which  might  assist  with 
the  implementation  of  the  programme.  The  Commission  may  also  organize  actions 
related to information, publication and dissemination. 

V.  Contact points 

The Commission  and the Member  States will organize  and  step up  the mutual  exchange 
of information  for use in the implementation of the "Culture 2000" programme, by means 
of cultural contact points which will be responsible  for: 

promoting the programme; 

encouraging as many professionals  as possible to take part in its projects; 

providing  a  permanent  link  with  the  various  institutions  providing  aid  to  the 
cultural  sector in the Member  States, thus ensuring that the measures taken  under 
the "Culture 2000" programme complement national support measures. 

22 

EXPLICIT INTEGRATION  OF CULTURAL ASPECTS  INTO 
COMMUNITY ACTION AND  POLICY 

Commission  Orientation  Document 

Under the terms of Article  128(4), the Community must take cultural aspects into account 
when  exercising  its  powers  and  must  reconcile  the  inherent  objectives  of  the  measures 
taken  with  cultural  objectives  (Commission  Decision  of  17 October  1997), in  particular 
as  regards:  respect  for  cultural  diversity,  the  encouragement  of  creativity  and  cultural 
development  and support  for cultural cooperation  and exchanges. The directions taken by 
the Commission  to  ensure  the integration  of cultural  aspects  into  Community  action  and 
policy during 2000-2004 will be along three main lines: 

a legislative framework favourable  to culture; 

the cultural dimension of support policies; 

culture in the Community's external relations. 

1.  A legislative framework  favourable to culture 

Many  areas of cultural  life  are the  subject  of  Community  rules  or decisions  at  European 
level which move towards specific  objectives. 

A. 

Promoting  cultural diversity 

The  need  to  assert  and  respect  cultural  identity  is  felt  particularly  acutely  at  a  time 
when our economies are engaged in a process of globalization, which can be perceived  as 
a  source  of  cultural  and 
linguistic  standardization  or  "dumbing  down".  The 
European Community  consists  of  varied  and  unique  cultures  which  have  enriched  one 
another  over  the  centuries,  and  it  is  determined  to  ensure  respect  for  cultural  diversity 
within the open cultural area which it constitutes. 

The  Treaty  on  European  Union  made  respect  for  cultural  diversity  an  obligation 
(Article 3(p)  and  Article  128(1)  of  the  EC  Treaty)  which  has  been  strengthened  in  the 
Amsterdam Treaty: the new Article  128(4) states that "the  Community shall  take cultural 
aspects  into account  in  its action  under other provisions  of  this  Treaty,  in particular  in 
order to respect and to promote  the diversity of its  cultures". 

The  Court  of  Justice  has  also  shown  itself  to  be  sensitive  to  the  specific  requirements 
associated  with  the  protection  and  development  of  cultural  identity,  concluding,  for 
example,  that  "The  EEC  Treaty  does  not  prohibit  the  adoption  of  a  policy  for  the 
protection  and promotion  of  a  language  of  a Member  State"  (Case  C-379/87  Groener) 
and that  the preservation  and development  of national  historic  and  artistic  heritage  were 
overriding  reasons  of  general  interest  such  as  could  justify  a  restriction  on  the  free 
movement of services ("Tourist  Guides"judgment). 

23 

Books  and reading. In its Decision of 22 September  1997 (97/C305/02)  on  cross-border 
fixed  book  prices  in  European  linguistic  areas,  the  Council  asked  the  Commission 
"to study  the significance  of Article  128(4) for  the implementation  of those Articles  of the 
Treaty that may concern  cross-border  fixed  book prices,  and  to  indicate,  if  appropriate, 
the  ways  to  enable  fixed  book-price  regulations/agreements  within  homogeneous 
linguistic areas to be applied'.  The Commission  is accordingly having  an in-depth  study 
made  on the question  of book pricing  and ways  of  encouraging  writing  and  distribution. 
It will then decide whether there is a need for an initiative in this area. 

State  aid  to  culture.  Article  92(3)(d)  of  the  Treaty  states  that  "aid  to promote  culture 
and heritage conservation"  may be "compatible with the common market"  if it "does not 
affect trading  conditions  and competition  in the  Community to an extent  that  is contrary 
to  the  common  interest".  The  Commission  will  decide  on  a  case-by-case  basis  on  the 
applicability  of  the  derogation  contained  in  Article  92(3)  to  the  forbidding  of  State  aid 
under  Article  92(1).  In  its  decision,  the  Commission  will  take  into  consideration  the 
specific  circumstances  in  each case and the individual  markets  concerned,  while  bearing 
in  mind  the  cultural  motives,  until  the  proposed  adoption  by  the  Commission  of 
guidelines on the application of the State aid rules in this sector. 

Protection  of  natural  monuments  and  cultural  sites.  Natural  monuments  shaped  by 
human  action  reflect  a  particular  culture.  The  sites  are  places  notable  for  their  beauty 
(artistic,  picturesque),  their  function  (scientific)  or  the  memories  associated  with  them 
(historic  or  legendary).  In  all  of  the  structural  measures  the  Community  undertakes 
through  its  various  policies,  it  should  ensure  respect  for  these  natural  monuments  and 
sites  and  make  it  possible  to  respect  cultural  diversity.  A  recommendation  based  on 
Article  128 could be planned with a view to achieving this objective. 

Audiovisual  policy.  In the application  of the "Television  without  frontiers"  Directive  of 
30 June  1997, special  attention  is given  to the provisions  on respecting  works  (insertion 
of  advertising)  and  cultural  and  linguistic  diversity.  A  review  of  the  impact  of  the 
measures to promote audiovisual programmes will be carried out in 2002. 

B.  Encouraging  creativity and cultural development 

Creativity  is  essential  to  every  cultural  activity.  It  is  society's  lifeblood  and  one  of  its 
driving  forces.  It  enriches  the  public's  cultural  diet.  It  is  also,  increasingly,  helping  to 
provide new employment. The Community recognizes the eminent role of creative  artists 
and intends to foster  creativity  and cultural development. It will use several of its powers 
to do so. 

Copyright and related  rights 

At  international  level  two  new  WIPO  treaties9  (the  WIPO  Copyright  Treaty  and  the 
WIPO Performances  and Phonograms  Treaty), were recently  adopted  in  the  information 
technology  sector.  Moreover,  two  draft  protocols  to  these  treaties,  on  databases  and 
audiovisual performances,  are currently being negotiated. 

These were adopted by the diplomatic  conference  on certain  questions of copyright  and related  rights 
in Geneva  on 20 December  1996 under  the  auspices  of the World  Intellectual  Property  Organization 
(WIPO). 

24 

At  Community  level,  the  Commission  adopted  a  proposal  for  a  Directive  "on  the 
harmonization  of  certain  aspects  of  copyright  and  related  rights  in  the  information 
society"  on  10 December  199710.  This  proposal,  which  incorporates  several  of  the  new 
international  obligations  into  the  Community  legal  order,  relates  to  certain  aspects  of 
copyright  and related rights, namely the right of reproduction, the right of  communication 
to  the  public,  legal  protection  of  the  integrity  of  technical  identification  and  protection 
schemes,  the  right  of  distribution  and  its  exhaustion.  Unlike  the  two  WTPO treaties,  it 
also covers the audiovisual  environment. 

The  proposal  does  not  cover  other  questions  such  as  the  moral  rights  of  authors, 
harmonization  of  rules  on private  copying, responsibility  and  applicable  law nor  does  it 
cover rights regarding  digital radio diffusion  and the management  of rights. Moreover,  it 
is  envisaged  that  the  forthcoming  proposal  for  a directive  on  electronic  trade  will  cover 
the  question  of  responsibility 
in  particular  as  regards 
responsibility  for copyright  infractions.  It is not, however, envisaged  at this stage that the 
proposal will cover applicable law, in particular regarding  copyright. 

in  a  horizontal  manner, 

As  regards  "moral  rights",  a  Recommendation  based  on  Article  128(5)  aimed  at 
protecting creative people and their work, could be envisaged. 

A  new  harmonization  directive  on  the  resale  right  for  the  benefit  of  the  author  of 
an original  work  of  art  (OJ  Ç  178,  21.6.1996)  is  currently  being  examined  by  the 
Council and  the  European  Parliament  and  an  amended  proposal  was  adopted  by  the 
Commission  on  13  March  1998.  The  aim  is  to  grant  artists  an  economic  right  when 
one of  their  original  works  of  art  is  resold  by  public  officials,  auction  houses  or  other 
commercial agents. 

Tax treatment of cultural goods and services 

Member States may, on a voluntary basis, apply a reduced-rate of VAT to the majority  of 
cultural  goods  and services  (books, copyright  and related  rights,  exhibitions, cinema  and 
theatre 
the  provisions  of 
Directive 92/77/EEC of  19 October  1992. 

television  services),  under 

tickets,  museum  charges, 

Another aspect of the taxation of cultural goods is the current debate on the application of 
the reduced  rate of VAT to records and multimedia  supports and to the conservation  and 
restoration  of monuments.  The  Commission  will  consider  these points  in the  context  of 
its  work  programme  for  the  introduction  of  a  new  common  VAT  system  and  for  the 
modernization of the existing system. 

Company  sponsorship 

The problem of company sponsorship/patronage  is partly linked to that of direct  taxation. 
It  is  important  at  European  level  to  create  an  environment  favourable  to  company 
sponsorship/patronage,  for  example  by  promoting  the  exchange  and  dissemination  of 
information  on  national  tax  incentives  for  the  sponsorship  and  patronage  of  cultural 
activities,  and  possibly 
to  formulate  a  Community  recommendation,  based  on 
Article  128, to point national systems in the right direction. 

10  COM(97)  628  of  10 December  1997. 

25 

C. 

Support for  cultural cooperation and exchanges 

The  free  movement  of  people,  goods,  services  and  capital,  a  cornerstone  of  the  Treaty 
establishing  the  European  Community,  is  a determining  factor  for  the  existence  and  the 
vitality  of  the  cultural  area  common  to  the  European  people.  In  this  respect,  some 
progress remains to be made in the two following  areas: 

The free movement of professionals  in the cultural  sector 

The  Commission  set  up  a  high-level  group  to  study  the  legal,  administrative  and 
practical difficulties  experienced  by  people  exercising  their  right  of  establishment  and 
right  to  work  in  another  Member  State.  Its  report,  presented  to  the  Commission  on 
18 March  1997,  details  the  problems  encountered  by,  amongst  others,  artists  and  other 
cultural  operators  in  exercising  their  right  of  free  movement.  These  professionals  in  the 
cultural sector often  run into insuperable difficulties,  largely because they tend to stay  for 
only  short  periods  of  time  and  because  there  is  a  great  deal  of  bureaucratic  red  tape 
associated with these moves. 

The report  concludes  by underlining  the  importance  of promoting  the  free  movement  of 
professionals  in  the  cultural  sector  and  calling  for  spécifie  measures  to  take  greater 
account  of  the  special  position  of  artists  and  others  working  in  the  cultural  sector.  The 
Commission  will  produce  a  detailed  list  of  the  obstacles  to  free  movement  and 
international  mobility  for  artists  and others working  in the cultural  sector  and the  factors 
impeding  cultural  creativity  and  dissemination,  and  will,  if  necessary,  take  appropriate 
measures to remove such obstacles. 

The free movement of cultural  goods and services 

The  Community  has  taken  steps  to  prevent  illegal  trade  in  cultural  assets  within  the 
single market and to protect the national treasures of the Member  States. These  measures 
relate  to  the  export  of  cultural  goods11  and  the  return  of  cultural  objects  unlawfully 
removed  from  the  territory  of  a Member  State12.  Community-level  cooperation  between 
cultural  and  other  competent  authorities  in the Member  States  is  essential  if the  cultural 
assets that qualify  as national treasures in the Union  are to be protected. The  Commission 
will take the necessary steps to promote such cooperation. 

2. 

The cultural dimension  of support policies 

The aim of this second  section is to demonstrate  the relationship  between  culture and the 
other  internal  policies  - support  policies  - which  the  Community  operates  and  to  ensure 
that  the objectives  and means  of  those  Community  instruments  that  impinge  on  cultural 
matters  are  compatible  with  the  objectives  and  means  of  the  Community's  cultural 
action.  A  number  of  operational  lines  of  action  are  therefore  proposed  with  a  view  to 
incorporating  culture  more  effectively  into  the  Community  instruments  in  question  and 
improving the coordination of these instruments. 

The  various  internal  policies  which  are  most  likely  to  have  an  impact  are  areas  such  as 
cultural development  and planning, training and dissemination  of knowledge. 

11  Council  Regulation  (EEC)  No  3911/92  of  9  December  1992,  supplemented  by  Regulation  (EEC) 

No 752/93 of 30 March  1993. 

12  Directive 93/7/EEC of  15 March  1993. 

26 

A. 

Cultural development and cultural planning 

Several  Community  policies  contribute  to  cultural  development  and  promote  balanced 
and  sustainable  cultural  planning  within  the  Community.  Over  the  period  2000-2004, 
these activities will be increased. 

Research  and  technological  development  plays  a  key  role  in  stimulating  creativity, 
growth  and  employment  in  the  cultural  sectors, with  strong  links  to  education,  training, 
tourism, media and  entertainment. 

The  Fifth  Framework  Programme  for  Research  and  Technological  Development 
(1998-2002)13 currently  before  the  Council  and  the  European  Parliament  is  designed  to 
address  contemporary  issues  and  to  meet  public  aspirations  as  Europe  moves  into  the 
21st century. The Fifth  Framework Programme, as proposed by the Commission,  looks to 
stimulate  and  reinforce  research  and  development  in  the  cultural  sector  through  the 
implementation  of  specific  programmes,  and, 
in  particular,  key  actions.  These 
programmes  and  actions  should  be  the  subject  of  forthcoming  proposals  from 
the Commission. 

Two thematic programmes pay particular attention to culture: 

"Preserving  the  Ecosystem",  with,  as  a  key  action,  "The  city  of  tomorrow  and 
cultural heritage". This key action has as its objective  the harmonious  development 
of  the  urban  environment  following  an  approach  which  is  environmentally 
acceptable,  using  advanced  models  of  organization  which  simultaneously  improve 
quality  of  life,  re-establish  a  social  balance  and  protect,  preserve  and  develop 
cultural  heritage,  so that  its potential  in terms  of  employment  and  tourism  may  be 
fulfilled  in a sustainable  fashion. 

"Creating a user-friendly  information  society" 

The  key  action  "Multimedia  content  and  tools"  looks  to  make  practical,  helpful  and 
acceptable use of the services and products of the information  society in order to promote 
cultural  and  linguistic  diversity,  to  contribute  to  the  development  of  European  cultural 
heritage, to stimulate creativity  and to further  improve the effectiveness  of education  and 
training  systems,  in particular  as regards  life-long  learning.  It  is worth  highlighting  that 
the  different  European  content  industries  make  up  an  increasingly  important  part  of  the 
economy.  It is  essential  that  favourable  conditions  are  created  in  order  that  the  different 
producers  in  the  European  content  industry  can  maintain  or  improve  their  competitive 
positions. 

This  is  particularly  important  for  the  development  of  the  European  Union  audiovisual 
policy, and for cultural action, in particular in the publishing, music and heritage sectors. 

Europe's  status as leader in the multimedia content  sector needs to be confirmed  in order 
to assist the flourishing  of European creativity and European culture. 

13  Draft  European Parliament  and  Council  Decision  concerning  the Fifth  framework  Programme  of  the 
technological  development  and  demonstration  activities 

European  Community  for  research, 
(1998-2002) - interinstitutional  file No  97/0119 (COD) of 6 February  1998. 

27 

More  generally,  socio-economic  questions  will  be  addressed  in  the  Fifth  Framework 
Programme in a horizontal  and through  a key action. Cultural  aspects are an integral part 
of  socio-economic  research,  and  particular  attention  will  be  paid  to  the  European 
integration  process,  globalization 
concerning 
information  and communication. 

technological  developments 

and 

The  structural  policies  are  an important  means  of promoting  cultural  development  and 
planning.  As  it  implements  them  over  the  new  programming  period  (2000-2006),  the 
Commission,  taking  account  of the conclusions  of  its  Communication  "Cohesion  policy 
and culture - a contribution to employment"14, will consider culture  as a valid  component 
of  regional  and  local  development  strategies.  The  assistance  given  to  culture  from  the 
Structural  Funds  will  not  only  help  preserve  and  develop  cultural  assets  (for  instance 
cultural  heritage)  but  will  also  help  bring  about  productive  investment  in  cultural 
industries  and  products.  A  cultural  dimension  could  therefore  be  explicitly  integrated 
both  into  the  operational  programmes  of  the  European  regions  and  into  the  Community 
Initiative  Programmes15.  Culture  could be considered  in the  elaboration  of the  Structural 
Funds  Guidelines.  Cultural  projects  will be eligible  if they  create jobs  and  are  integrated 
into local or regional development  strategies. 

As  regards  rural  development,  the  policy  of  diversification  of  activities  in  rural  areas 
must  endeavour  to  take  into  full  consideration  the  possibilities  offered  by  cultural 
activities.  This  would  cover  the  fact  that  projects  presented  must  aim  to  promote  rural 
diversification,  notably  through  the  use  of  cultural  activities.  This  would,  in  turn,  cover 
the  following  fields:  promotion  of  territorial  identity;  exploitation  (in  line  with  the 
principles  of  sustainable  development)  of  the  vernacular  cultural  heritage  (material, 
heritage, folklore,  linguistic  heritage, etc.); creation  of permanent  cultural  infrastructures 
(eco-museums, arts centres, etc.); and the organization of specific  cultural activities. 

In  the  tourism  sector,  most  of  the  Community  initiatives  developed  thus  far  have  been 
based  on  Council  Decision  No  92/421/EEC.  This  states  that  "Community  action  is 
designed  both  to  highlight  the  importance  of  the  cultural  heritage for  tourism  and  to 
promote  a greater  knowledge  of the cultures,  traditions  and ways  of life  of  Europeans". 
This  Decision  explicitly  stresses  the  close  link  between  tourism  and  culture  and,  more 
particularly,  between  tourism  and  cultural  heritage.  Indeed,  estimates  put  the  proportion 
of tourist travel that is cultural in nature at 30%. 

The  Community's  role  here  is  to  give  tourist  initiatives  a  European  dimension, 
particularly  by  encouraging  exchanges  of  information,  know-how  and  good  practice 
through  transnational  projects.  These  fields  of  activity  were  in  fact  specified  in  the  first 
multiannual programme  to assist  European  tourism,  "Philoxenia"  (1997-2000),  proposed 
by the Commission, but not yet adopted by the Council. 

14  COM(96)512. 
15  Under  the  reform  of  the  Structural  Funds  2000-2006,  Community  initiatives  will  be  reduced  from 
thirteen  to  three:  cross-border,  transnational  and  inter-regional  cooperation,  with  the  aim  of 
stimulating  the economic  development  of the regions  and promoting  harmonious  and balanced  spatial 
planning  within  Europe;  rural  development;  and  transnational  cooperation  on  new  methods  of 
combating  discrimination  and inequalities of all kinds in terms of access to the labour market. 

28 

B. 

Training and dissemination  of knowledge 

Occupational  training  is  one  of  the  social  policy  objectives  pursued  by  the  Community 
via the  European  Social  Fund  and  other  initiatives  linked  to  employment  policy.  This, 
too, has indirect implications  for culture. 

The  many  activities  of  the  ESF  include  the  provision  of  training  for  the  cultural 
professions,  in the fields  of both  contemporary  creative work  and the preservation  of the 
cultural  heritage  (for  example,  training  for  artists,  actors,  etc,  as  well  as  for  museum 
employees, guards for architectural  sites, people working in the touism sector who have a 
link  with  the  promotion  of  cultural  heritage,  etc).  The  ESF  also  aims  to  boost 
employment in culture and in the arts and crafts by supporting local cooperatives. 

therefore 

Culture  will 
the 
field 
European Social Fund  (2000-2006),  being  treated  as  a source  of  economic  value,  social 
development  and  employment. 

assistance 

eligible 

remain 

from 

for 

a 

The  education  and  training  policy  that  the  Community  is  developing  represents  a 
significant  contribution  to  the  knowledge  and  dissemination  of  European  cultures  and 
history.  The  Commission  Communication  entitled  "Towards  a  Europe  of  knowledge 
(2000-2006)"16  develops  three  priorities  which  have  a  cultural  dimension  in  several 
respects: knowledge, citizenship and competence. 

The future  Socrates II, Leonardo Da Vinci II and Youth For Europe IV programmes  will 
thus be able to promote the cultural  dimension  to  a greater  extent, in fields ranging from 
education to culture, artistic and cultural training, the training of instructors in culture and 
the arts, voluntary cultural work  and the use of new technologies to provide  access to the 
resources  of  the  information  society.  Cultural  aspects  can  be  taken  into  account  by: 
improving  the  skills  of  teaching  staff  in  the  arts  and  culture;  encouraging  mobility  and 
language learning among students of the arts and humanities; encouraging the  acquisition 
of skills in vocational  training, particularly  in traditional  and new artistic professions  and 
in new technologies relating to culture. 

In  economic  terms, the  cultural  sector has  reached  a level  within  the  EU  which  justifies 
the  development  of  comparative  cultural  statistics  based  on  sources  already  existing  at 
Member  State 
in  its 
quinquennial  plan  (1998-2002)  a  specific  heading  on  the  development  of  comparative 
cultural  statistics  in order  to help  define,  examine  and  evaluate the effect  of  Community 
action in the cultural  sector. 

level.  The  Commission  (Eurostat)  has 

therefore 

included 

to  telecommunications, 

The  Community's  action  also  extends 
information 
market and  research  development,  where  the  aim  is  to  improve  knowledge  and 
dissemination  of  culture 
through  programmes  entitled:  Telematics  Applications 
Programme  (TAP),  with  an  impact  on  the  media,  the  audiovisual  sector,  libraries, 
museums,  galleries,  etc.; Advanced  Communication  Technologies  and  Services  (ACTS) 
which,  amongst  other  things, promotes  the development  and  use of these  services  in  the 
cultural  sector;  Multilingual  Programmes  (MLPA  and  MLIS),  whose  objective  is  to 
develop  software  applications  for  languages;  TEN-TELECOM,  which  supports  the 
feasibility  and  development  of  applications  and  Trans-European  telecommunications; 

the 

16  COM(97)  563  final. 

29 

and  finally,  INFO 2000,  which  promotes  the  production  of  cultural  content  for  the 
multimedia industry. 

3.  Culture in the Community's  external  relations 

Globalization  of  economic  relations  and  communications  networks  is  inevitably  leading 
to  globalization  of  cultural  issues.  As  a result,  particular  importance  has  to  be  given  to 
questions of culture. In response to this trend, the Community  is developing  an approach 
along the following  lines: 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

in  the  major  international  trade  arena  it  will  aim  to  protect  the  ability  of  the 
Member  States  to  take  any  appropriate  measures  to  promote  respect  for  cultural 
diversity and encourage creativity and cultural development in Europe; 

it  is  developing  appropriate  frameworks  for  balanced  cultural  cooperation  with 
the other  regions  of  the  world  that  are  keen  to  engage  in  cultural  dialogue. 
The cultural  dimension  is  increasingly  explicit  in  the  bilateral  or  multilateral 
cooperation 
the 
Euro-Mediterranean  partnership; 

the  Community, 

concluded  by 

agreements 

such 

as 

it is encouraging  cultural development  in developing  countries. For example, in the 
implementation  of  the  Lomé  Convention,  nearly  half  the  indicative  national 
programmes  for  the  African,  Caribbean  and  Pacific  countries  make  the  cultural 
sector a component  of economic  development; 

it is opening its cultural programmes to participation by the European countries that 
are applying for membership of the European Union; 

it is promoting the influence  of European cultures in non-member  countries and the 
strengthening of cultural ties with Community nationals resident there. 

30 

FINANCIAL  STATEMENT 

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME IN  SUPPORT 
OF CULTURE  (2000-2004) 
(Single financing  and programming instrument for cultural  cooperation: 
"Culture 2000") 

1. 

TITLE OF THE ACTION 

2. 

3. 

RELEVANT BUDGET LINE 

LEGAL BASE 

4. 

BUDGETARY  CHARACTERISTICS 

4.1  Classification  of expenditure, financial perspective  section 

4.2  Period covered by the action and rules governing its renewal 

v 

5. 

THE  REASONS  FOR  COMMUNITY  ACTION  AND  THE  OBJECTIVES  TO 
BE FOLLOWED 

5.1  Subj ect and general obj ectives 
5.2  Operational  objectives 
5.3  Target group 

6.  ACTIVITIES 

ENVISAGED 

AND 

RULES 

GOVERNING 

BUDGETARY  SUPPORT 

6.1  Types of activity 
6.2  Types of expenditure 
6.3 

Impact of experimental  actions 

7. 

FINANCIAL  DETAILS 

7.1  Actions 

in 
cooperation  agreements 

the 

context  of 

structured 

and  multi-annual 

cultural 

7.2  Major  actions with European and/or international  effect 
7.3  Specific 

activities  within 

innovative 

the  Community 

and/or 

and 
third  countries 

7.4  Total costs 

8. 

FOLLOW UP AND  EVALUATION 

8.1  Timetable 
8.2  Selection  criteria 
8.3  Follow up 

31 

8.4  Evaluation 

8.5 

Internal coordination  mechanisms 

9.  ANTI-FRAUD  MEASURES 

10.  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE 

10.1  Effect  on employment 
10.2  Overall financial  effect  on human resources 
10.3  Other expenditure 
TITLE OF THE ACTION 

1. 

European  Community  framework  programme 
in  support  of  culture  2000-2004 
(Single financing  and programming instrument  for cultural cooperation: "Culture  2000") 

2.  RELEVANT BUDGET LINE 

B3-200X European Community framework programme in support of culture 

3. 

LEGAL BASE 

•  Proposed  Parliament  and  Council  Decision  establishing  a  single  financing  and 

programming instrument in support of cultural  cooperation. 

a  Treaty establishing the European Community, in particular Article 128. 

4. 

BUDGETARY  CHARACTERISTICS 

4.1  Classification  of expenditure, financial  perspective  section 

a 

a 

Q 

Non -obligatory  Expenditure 

Disassociated  credits 

Section 3 of the financial perspectives 

4.2  Period covered by the action and rules governing its renewal 

The framework programme will cover the period 2000-2004, inclusive. 

The  Commission  will  present,  in good  time,  an evaluation  of the results  achieved, 
in  order  to  ascertain  the  financial  consequences  of  its  eventual  prolongation 
beyond 2004. 

32 

5. 

THE  REASONS  FOR  COMMUNITY  ACTION  AND  THE  OBJECTIVES 
TO BE  FOLLOWED 

5.1  Subject and general  objectives 

The  European  Community  framework  programme  in  support  of  culture  will 
promote  the  realization  of  the  objectives  set  down  in  Article  128  of  the  Treaty. 
More  specifically,  the  first  Article  of  the  proposed  decision  established  the 
following  objectives: 

the mutual knowledge of the culture and history  of the European people, thus 
revealing their common cultural heritage, and encouraging cultural dialogue; 

encouraging  creativity, the  international  dissemination  of  culture  and  greater 
movement of artists and their creations; 

the  promotion  of  cultural  diversity  and  the  development  of  new  forms  of 
cultural  expression; 

the contribution of culture to socio-economic  development; 

to highlight the European importance of cultural heritage; 

to  encoufage  European  cultures  in  third  countries,  and  dialogue  with  other 
countries around the world. 

The framework programme has as an objective  to concentrate  its means  of  support 
within a single financial  instrument. 

In  the  context  of  enlargement,  a  significant  part  of  the  programme  will  support 
activities, 
. the 
adhesion countries. 

agreements,  which 

cooperation 

particularly 

involve 

5.2  Operational  objectives 

Based  on  analysis  of  the  priorities  and  the  problems  identified  and  of  the  sectors 
which potentially  hold  strong  European  added  value,  i.e.  those  stemming  from  the 
evaluations  carried  out,  the  specific  objectives  of  the  framework  programme  are 
as follows: 

• 

A  multiplication 
in  the  number  of  durable  cooperation  agreements 
(either within  one  sector  or  a  number  of  sectors)  and  an  increase  in 
amongst 
the number  of  cultural  networks, 
other things, greater  mutual  knowledge  of  the  culture  and  history  of 
the European people 
creativity 
the  development 
(around 60 agreements/networks). 

of  European 

to  promote, 

in  order 

and 

33 

• 

a 

The  creation  of  major  works  and  the  promotion,  both  within  and  outside 
the Community,  of these  works  and  of the  cultural  heritage  of  the  European 
people  -  and  their  international  distribution,  by  means  of  major  actions 
(approximately  100 major actions). 

The  development  of  new  forms  of  cultural  expression  and  the  greatest 
possible  involvement  of  the  culturally  most  disadvantaged  sections  of  the 
population  by  means  of  specific  and  innovative  actions  (a  few  more  than 
600 specific  actions). 

5.3  Target Group 

In  the  first  instance,  operators  in  the  cultural  sector  (event  organizers,  theatre 
workers,  etc)  and,  more  widely,  artists  and  creative  people.  On the  other  hand,  all 
European citizens, in particular disadvantaged  sections of the population  and young 
people will be targeted. 

6.  ACTIVITIES 

ENVISAGED 

AND 

RULES 

GOVERNING 

BUDGETARY  SUPPORT 

6.1  Types of activity 

In  order  to  meet  the  objectives  of  the  programme,  three  types  of  activity 
are proposed: 

a 

• 

a 

Activities  within 
cooperation  agreements 

the  context  of  structured  and  multiannual  cultural 

Major  activities with European and/or international  effect 

Specific  and/or innovative activities in the Community and/or third  countries 

6.2  Types  of  expenditure 

• 

a 

• 

a 

Contributions  in  terms  of  co-financing  projects  (events,  creative  work, 
exchanges, activities aimed at informing  the public, etc). 

Contributions to the establishment  and operating costs of cultural networks. 

Financing of technical assistance contracts 

Financing  for studies, publications, meetings of experts and evaluations. 

6.3 

Impact of experimental  actions 

Experimental  actions  are  proposed  by  the  Commission  in  the  initial  proposed 
budget  for  1999  which  aim  to  test  new  concepts  regarding  the  framework 
programme, in particular: 

34 

as regards cooperation  agreements: 

the implementation  of networks of operators in order to carry out  single 
sector or multi-sector projects; 

the development of a European  forum; 

a network of universities; 

as regards major  actions: 

Presidency  festivals; 

Europe days -  in the context of cultural events; 

International televised diffusion  of major  cultural ev^uis; 

The  creation  of  networks  of  the  Member  States'  cultural  institutes  for 
activities within and outside the Union; 

as regards actions aiming towards social integration: 

the  creation  of  a  network  of  cultural  operators  from  disadvantaged 
sectors of society. 

The  experience  acquired  will  be  used  while  implementing  the  new  programme, 
while,  if  necessary,  taking  into  account  the  results  during  negotiations  on 
this programme. 

7. 

FINANCIAL  DETAILS 

7.1  Actions 

in  the  context  of  structured  and  multi-annual  cultural 

cooperation  agreements 

a  Co-production of works 

a  Cultural events (tours, festivals,  etc.) 

•  Activities involving more than one cultural  discipline 

a  Further training and free movement of  professionals 

a  Knowledge of peoples' history and culture 

These agreements must show evidence of the following  characteristics: 

a 

• 

a 

Involve seven participating states; 

Last three years; 

Have average annual unit costs of ECU 275 000 for financing activities. 

35 

This  figure  is  based  on  the  experience  obtained  from  financing 
those 
agreements/networks  in the existing programmes  (generally ECU  200 000 in 
the  Raphael  programme)  and  reflects  any  concerns  about  the  increased 
number of participants  (generally 7 rather than the current figure of 5). 

a 

• 

• 

Average  annual  unit  costs  of  ECU  55 000  for  operational  costs  and 
implementing  a network (20% of ECU 275 000); 

That  is  an  average  total  cost  of  around  ECU  1 000 000  to  finance  a 
Cooperation agreement  lasting three years; 

Selection on the basis of a call for  applications. 

The  intention  is  for  60  cooperation  agreements  to  be  concluded  while  the 
programme  is in operation  (on the basis of six major  actions  covering  around 
20  forms  of  cultural  expression,  and  the  conclusion,  on  average,  of 
three cultural cooperation  agreements). 

7.2  Major actions with European  and/or international  effect 

• 

a 

• 

• 

a 

a 

European City of Culture; 

Festivals in those countries holding the Presidency of the Union; 

Europe Days integrated into cultural events with a European  dimension; 

The  creation  of  an  event,  a  monument  or  a  cultural  site  of 
European  importance; 

The recognition of major talents; 

Televised  diffusion  of cultural events. 

These major  actions must show evidence of the following  characteristics: 

• 

a 

a 

Symbolic value; 

The possibility of multi-annual  activities (one, two or three years); 

Average annual cost of ECU 500 000, more  specifically: 

European  City  of  Culture  -  ECU  1  million  (support for  the  city, 
preparatory  action  and  management  action)  on  the  basis  of 
actual experience; 

Presidency  Festivals: 
standard 
European festivals  -  ECU  1.5 million, i.e. ECU  750 000 (50%); 

large 

costs 

for 

scale 

Europe Days within festivals:  around  1/3 of the standard  costs of a 
festival,  i.e. ECU  500 000; 

Symbolic activities: ECU 300 000 - 400 000 per year,  on the basis 
of  current  experience  (Acropolis,  Chiado, Mount  Athos,  the  route 
to Santiago de Compostella,  etc.); 

Major  talents:  ECU 200 000 for  the  organization  of  a  prize  to 
recognize  great  European  cultural  figures  -  on  the  basis  of  the 
average cost for  similar prizes ; 

TV coproduction:  ECU 250 000 per  example,  on  the  basis  of  the 
costs of co-productions carried out for  information. 

a 

Selection on the basis of an application. 

The  framework  programme  should  look  to  finance  around  twenty  major 
actions annually. 

7.3  Specific  and 

innovative  activities  within 

the  Community  and/or 

third countries 

a 

a 

a 

• 

Creative work and events in the new forms of cultural  expression; 

Access  and  participation  of  citizens  in  cultural  activities,  in  particular 
the disadvantaged  and the young; 

The creation of multimedia tools; 

Exchanges  and  cooperation  between  cultural  and  socio-cultural 
operators working in the field of social  integration. 

These specific  actions will meet the following  characteristics: 

• 

• 

• 

At least four participating states; 

Duration of one to two years; 

Average cost of ECU 80 000. 

Under the existing programmes,  the average  cost is ECU 45 000 per  project. 
The  average  cost  proposed  above  takes  into  account  more  concentrated 
support and wider cooperation (more participating  states). 

a 

Selection on the basis of a call for  applications 

It  is planned  to  finance  630  activities  of  this  type  during  the  period  covered 
by  the  programme,  that  is  to  say  125  activities  per  year.  The  supported 
activities  will  concern  the  new  forms  of  artistic  expression  (50),  culture 
in disadvantaged  areas  (50)  and  the  links  between  culture  and  other 
policies (25). 

37 

TABLE SHOWING THE  COSTS 

2000  2001  2002  2003  2004 

ECU million 
Total 

1.  Cooperation  agreements 

Number of activities per year 
Number of activities in progress 
Cost (ECU  1  million per activity) 

12 
12 
12 

12 
24 
12 

12 
36 
12 

12 
36 
12 

12 
36 
12 

2.  Major  actions 

European City of Culture 
Presidency Festivals (two per year) 
Europe Days (five per year) 
Symbolic  activities 
Number of activities per year 
Number of activities in progress 
Cost (ECU I million per activity) 
Prize for major talents (two per year) 
TV 

2.5 
1.5 
2 

2 
2 
2 
0.4 
1 

1 
1.5 
2 

2 
4 
2 
0.4 
2 

1 
1.5 
2 

-> 
j 

1 
3 
0.4 
2 

1 
1.5 
2 

-> 
8 
-> 
0.4 
2 

1 
1.5 
2 

9 
-> 
j 

0.4 
2 

TOTAL 

9.4 

8.9 

9.9 

9.9 

9.9 

60 

60 

6.5 
7.5 
10 

13 

13 
2 
9 

48 

3.  Specific  actions 

Number of activities per year 
• Cost (ECU .08 million per activity) 

120 
9.6 

125 
10 

125 
10 

130 
10.4 

130 
10.4 

630 
50.4 

4.  Management 

Technical assistance  offices17 
Studies, publications, experts 
meetings 
Evaluation 

TOTAL 

TOTAL: 

0.5 

1 

1 

1 

1 

0.8 

0.8 

0.8 

0.8 
0.2 

0.4 
0.3 

1.3 

1.8 

2 

1.8 

1.7 

4.5 

3.6 
0.5 

8.6 

32.3 

32.7 

33.9 

34.1 

34 

167 

The management  costs  cover  a technical  assistance  office,  studies, publications  experts' 
meetings  and  the  evaluation.  The  Commission  may  have  recourse  to  legal  expertise, 
making use of a permanent network of specialists in the legal aspects of culture. 

17  Technical  Assistance  Offices:  This  amount  is foreseen  under  Part  B of  the  budget  for  the  evaluation 
and  follow  up.  The  operating  costs  will,  however,  require  financing  of  ECU 0.3  million  per  year 
under Part A of the Budget (see point  10.2). 

38 

7.4  Total costs 

On the basis of the detailed  calculations, which  are attached  as an Annex, the 
total costs are as follows: 

Cooperation  agreements 
Major  actions 
Specific  actions 
Programme  management 
TOTAL 

2000 
12 
9.4 
9.6 
1.3 
32.3 

2001 
12 
8.9 
10 
1.8 
32.7 

2002 
12 
9.9 
10 
2 
33.9 

2003 
12 
9.9 
10.4 
1.8 
34.1 

2004 
12 
9.9 
10.4 
1.7 
34 

Total 
60 
48 
50.4 
8.6 
167 

% 
35.9 
28.7 
30.3 
5.1 
100 

FOLLOW UP AND  EVALUATION 

8.1 

Indicators 

The  main  analytical  elements  which  can  used  to  measure  the  results  and  the 
achievements  made  by  the  programme,  with  regard  to  its  objectives,  are 
as follows: 

for integrated actions: 

a 

• 

The  number  of  cooperation  agreements  (either  in  one  or  more 
sector) and networks receiving  support; 

The  number  of  operators 
or networks; 

involved 

in 

these  agreements 

~) 

The  proportion  the  above  make  up  in  the  total  number  of 
operators in each sector; 

a 

• 

The durability of the networks created or supported; 

The number of activities at university  level; 

for major  actions: 

a 

• 

• 

The number  and quality  of cultural  projects  and  events  supported 
by the programme; 

The number of operators involved in these projects; 

Analysis  of  the  level  of  media  coverage  (as  regards  the  general 
public),  and  those  working  in  the  cultural  sector  (reviews  and 
specialist  magazines) of the major  actions; 

39 

for the specific  activities: 

a 

a 

• 

The number of new forms  of cultural expression  affected; 

The number of proj ectsf carried out; 

The  level  of  participation  in  these  projects  by  disadvantaged 
sections of the population  and young people; 

for all activities: 

a 

a 

Involvement  of the public; 

The  added  value,  in  both  cultural  and  socio-economic  terms 
created  by  the  synergies  and  partnerships  developed,  with 
particular emphasis on job creation in the field of arts and culture: 

• 

Activities/agreements/networks  involving the adhesion  countries. 

8.2  Selection  criteria 

a 

• 

a 

a 

• 

• 

European added value (see point 8); 

Number  of Member  States involved  in the projects  as regards  operators 
(for  instance,  with  Action  1,  the  minimum  number  of  Member  States 
involved will be seven; 

Number  of sectors  affected  by  projects  involving  more  than  one  sector 
(at least three); 

Amount of works/heritage/other  affected  by the projects; 

Minimum  audience levels; 

Minimum duration for network agreements (at least three years); 

a  Minimum  levels for project budgets; 

• 

Economic impact of projects  (for example, in terms of job creation). 

8.3  Follow up 

Further  action  will  be  carried  out  on  the  basis  of  permanent  instruments 
which,  amongst  other  things,  consider  the  achievements  made  and  take  into 
account the selection criteria. 

40 

These will be quantifiable  and fully  developed, in particularly by: 

o 

3 

Comparative  analysis  of 
applications made; 

the  advantages  and  merits  of 

the 

A  complete  activity  report  providing  a  technical  and  financial 
assessment of operations; 

• 

Evaluations. 

By  their  nature,  assessment  using  these  indicators  should  not  pose 
any problems. 

The  Commission  will  be  assisted  with  the  implementation  of  the 
programme  by  a  Committee  of  a  consultative  nature  made  up  of 
representatives of the Member States. 

8.4  Evaluation 

Evaluations  are  envisaged  for  2002  (intermediate  evaluation)  and  at  the  end 
of the programme, in 2004 

8.5 

Internal coordination  mechanisms 

The  internal  coordination  arrangements  to  ensure  that  cultural  aspects  are 
considered 
the  Commission 
Communication on this subject, which was published in October  1997. 

in  Community  action  are  defined 

in 

DG X is responsible for coordination. 

In advance of the selection of new projects, the services will be consulted. 

9.  ANTI-FRAUD  MEASURES 

All  legal  obligations  (contracts,  conventions,  etc)  will  allow  for  the  possibility 
of  inspections  being  carried  out  by  the  services  of  the  Commission  and 
the 
Court of Auditors. 

All  payments  will  be  subject  to  the  provision  of  full  financial  proof  and  a  balanced 
financial situation, depending on the nature of the expenditure. 

Three  levels of inspection  are envisaged:  of each dossier,  of each document,  and  through 
on-site visits. 

Internal audits will be carried out to check the work of the technical assistance  offices. 

41 

10.  ADMINISTRATIVE  EXPENDITURE 

10.1  Effect  on  employment 

Type of work 

Numbers to appoint  for the  Of which 
management of the action 

Length 

Permanent 
jobs 

Temporary 
jobs 

Officials  or 
temporary 
agents 
Other resources 

A 
B 
C 

Total 

6 
2 
10 

18 

2 
1 
0 
3I8 

; 

6 

By using 
additional 
resources 

By using 
existing 
resources 
within the 
DGor 
service 
concerned 
X 
X 
X 
X 

10.2  Total financial  effect  on human  resources 

Officials 

Amount 

9 720 000 

Calculation used 

18 x ECU  108 000 x 5 years 

Temporary Agents 

1 620 000 

3 x ECU  108 000 x 5 years 

Other resources (Budget 
line A-7002) 

1 500 00018 

3 x ECU  100 000 x 5 years 

TOTAL  I 12 840 000 

| 

Made using  existing  resources  for  management  activities  (based  on  titles  A-l,  A-2, A-4, 
A-5 and A-7). 

18  Finance  for  the operation of technical assistance offices:  ECU 0.3  million per year under  line A-7002, 

which should compensate  for the loss of existing consultants. 

42 

10.3  Other operating  expenditure 

Budget  Line 
(No and title) 
A-7031 

Amount 

146 250 

Calculations used 

15 
from 
representatives 
Member  States  x ECU 650 
x  3  meetings  per  year  x 
5 years. 

TOTAL 

146 250 

The funds  will be found  within DG X's existing allocation. 

43 

ISSN 0254-1475 

COM(98) 266 final 

DOCUMENTS 

EN 

16  01  09 

Catalogue  number  :  CB-CO-98-308-EN-C 

ISBN  92-78-36021-X 

Office  for  Official  Publications  of the European  Communities 

L-29S5  Luxembourg 

44