WRITTEN QUESTION E-0840/02 by Caroline Jackson (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Article 151 of the EC Treaty and cultural heritage — relations with third countries.
Date: 2002-03-26
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU programme, cultural cooperation, cultural heritage, heritage protection, research policy

C 277 E/94

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

14.11.2002

(2002/C 277 E/104)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0840/02

by Caroline Jackson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(26 March 2002)

Subject: Article 151 of the EC Treaty and cultural heritage (cid:29) relations with third countries

According to Article 151(2) of the Treaty establishing the European Community, action is possible at EU
level with a view to the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage of European significance.

A very large number of archaeological sites and ancient monuments, which constitute an important part of
Europe’s cultural heritage, are situated in countries linked to the EU by association and other agreements.

Does the Commission have a policy with regard to the conservation of important remains such as those of
Greek and Roman cities around the Mediterranean?

There have been many examples of important vestiges of the ancient world being destroyed by the
extension of modern agriculture and the process of economic development. For example, much of the city
of Zeugma (cid:29) founded in 300 BC by a successor of Alexander the Great (cid:29) was recently destroyed when
the Birecik dam was constructed on the Euphrates in Turkey. A series of remarkable Roman mosaics was
discovered shortly before inundation, but only part of these could be saved.

Does not the Commission consider that the EU has a responsibility to intervene in such cases and to
provide resources to assist in salvaging what can be rescued? Do provisions exist in the EU’s agreements
with its Mediterranean and other close partners which might provide the basis for assistance to public
authorities in the form of expertise and finance for surveys of the cultural heritage and for preparing plans
for economic and social development which may contribute to its protection? What can the Commission
do to promote requests from its partners in this regard?

(2002/C 277 E/105)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0841/02

by Caroline Jackson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(26 March 2002)

Subject: Article 151 of the EC Treaty and cultural heritage (cid:29) response by the EU institutions

According to Article 151(2) of the Treaty establishing the European Community, action is possible at the
EU level with a view to the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage of European significance.

Does the Commission consider that the Culture 2000 Programme and other related programmes in the
fields of the environment and education provide an adequate response to this objective set out in the EC
Treaty?

Can we expect further initiatives from the Commission in this area?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-0837/02, E-0839/02, E-0840/02 and E-0841/02
given by Ms Reding on behalf of the Commission

(18 June 2002)

Under Article 151 of the EC Treaty, the Community may encourage cooperation between the Member
States in the area of culture and, if necessary, support and supplement their action in a number of areas,
including the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage of European significance. This aim is
pursued by the ‘Culture 2000’ framework programme, which promotes cultural cooperation in Europe.