WRITTEN QUESTION E-2207/99 by Antonio Tajani (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Demolition of the former Pacini Theatre by the Fucecchio municipal authorities (Florence).
Date: 1999-11-29
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: competence of the Member States, heritage protection, historic site, local authority

20.6.2000

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 170 E/151

(2000/C 170 E/184)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2207/99

by Antonio Tajani (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(29 November 1999)

Subject: Demolition of the former Pacini Theatre by the Fucecchio municipal authorities (Florence)

In 1997 the council of the municipality of Fucecchio (Florence), adopted Decisions Nos 42 and 78 in
which it approved a bypass around the historic centre of Fucecchio which would entail the demolition of
the former Pacini Theatre, built in 1 700. The theatre would be replaced by a new, larger, reinforced-
concrete building and a 400-square-metre section of the public square would be sold to the real-estate
company (cid:145)Cabel(cid:146). The above decisions, which involve changes to the urban development plan, are contrary
to Law No 1089 of 1 June 1939 in which Article 1 of the general provisions on the protection of items of
artistic and historical interest stipulates that a public square is inalienable by virtue of Article 23, in that it
is property of which a public authority may not dispose. The resolutions which the Fucecchio authorities
intend to adopt will be extremely detrimental to the Fucecchio community and run counter to the general
provisions on the protection of the artistic and cultural heritage, at both national and European levels.

Would the Commission be willing to urge the relevant Italian authorities to ensure that the European
cultural heritage is preserved and protected according to the provisions of Article 128 of the Treaty, which
stipulates, inter alia, that Community action in the cultural domain should seek to promote the cultures of
the Member States whilst at the same time bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(20 December 1999)

The EC Treaty (cid:129) and in particular Article 151 thereof (formerly Article 128) (cid:129) gives the Community
competence in the area of culture. According to Article 151, Community action is aimed exclusively (cid:129) in
full compliance with the principle of subsidiarity (cid:129) at contributing to cooperation between Member States;
contributing to the flowering of the cultures of the Member States, while respecting their national and
regional diversity; and fostering cooperation with third countries and the competent
international
organisations in the sphere of culture.

Consequently, the Commission cannot intervene in a matter which, in this case, is solely the responsibility
of Italy.

(2000/C 170 E/185)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2220/99

by Theresa Villiers (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 November 1999)

Subject: Tax discussions

1. What meetings have been held in the last month to discuss elements of what is known as the Monti
tax package, and what meetings are scheduled for the same purpose in the next two months?

Specifically, what tax matters have been discussed at the meetings held during the last month, and

2.
what matters are due to be discussed at upcoming meetings?

In the interests of transparency, will the Commission provide Parliament with summary reports of

3.
these meetings and with any documents on which discussions have been based?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 1999)

1. and 2.
The following is a list of the meetings with Member States which have taken place since
1 October 1999. The tax package is due to be discussed at the European Council in Helsinki on 10 and