WRITTEN QUESTION E-3791/00 by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Repair of churches.
Date: 2000-12-07
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU financing, church, urban renewal

19.6.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 174 E/143

On the basis of the information given by the Honourable Member, it is not possible to assess whether the
project mentioned by the Honourable Member falls within one of the classes listed in the annexes of the
Directive. Therefore, on the basis of the information given by the Honourable Member, due to a lack of
grounds of complaint on the application of Community law on environmental impact assessment, no
breach of it can be identified at present.

In contrast, the sites mentioned by the Honourable Member, claimed to be affected by the project, are
proposed sites of Community importance (pSCI), under Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 (3)
on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. With reference to pSCI, Member States
have to ensure that the aims of the Directive are not jeopardised. Even in the absence of a Community list,
Member States(cid:146) authorities are therefore advised at least to abstain from activities that may cause a site on
the national list to deteriorate.

the
In the specific case, not being aware of
Commission will take the appropriate steps to gather detailed information about it and to ensure the
observance of Community law.

the situation described by the Honourable Member,

(1) OJ L 175, 5.7.1985.
(2) OJ L 73, 14.3.1997.
(3) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992.

(2001/C 174 E/147)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3791/00

by Charles Tannock (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(7 December 2000)

Subject: Repair of churches

Is the Commission prepared to consider providing funds for the repair of cathedrals and churches of major
historical importance throughout the European Union, given the importance of the role which they have
played in the development of a common European heritage, their architectural value and the role which
they continue to play in the life of many communities?

Answer given by Ms Reding on behalf of the Commission

(8 February 2001)

The Commission may provide support for cultural initiatives, including for the protection, preservation
and development of the cultural heritage, under the (cid:145)Culture 2000(cid:146) programme and in accordance with its
criteria, this programme being the Community(cid:146)s main instrument for financing and planning in the area of
cultural cooperation.

In this connection, the Commission would point out to the Honourable Member that a call for proposals
in January 2001 (1).
for projects running in the year 2001 was published in the Official
Consequently, cultural operators will be free to submit projects to be considered for funding.

Journal

Operators may find information at the following site: http://europe.eu.int/com/culture/index_en.html

Furthermore, as part of the assistance provided to regions under the Structural Funds, cultural projects may
obtain Community support. However, these projects will only be eligible if it is clearly demonstrated that
they make a direct contribution to the economic and social development of the region.

(1) OJ C 21, 24.1.2001.