Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Decision No 508/2000/EC of 14 February 2000 establishing the "Culture 2000" programme
Date: 2003-04-16
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: EU programme, European integration, cultural cooperation, cultural policy, cultural transmission, report

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES

Brussels, 16.4.2003
COM(2003) 187 final

2003/0076 (COD)

Proposal for a

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

amending Decision No 508/2000/EC of 14 February 2000 establishing
the "Culture 2000" programme

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

The  "Culture  2000"  programme,  adopted  by  the  European  Parliament  and  the  Council  in
February  20001  with  an  overall  budget  of  EUR  167  million  over  five  years,  will  expire  on
31 December 2004.

The  programme  stemmed  from  a  proposal  (COM(98)266)  presented  by  the  European
Commission  to  the  European  Parliament  and  the  Council  in  May  1998,  on  the  basis  of
Article 151  of  the  EC  Treaty,  establishing  the  "Culture  2000"  programme  as  a  single
financing and programming instrument for cultural cooperation. The purpose of the proposal
was to implement responsibilities conferred on the European Community by the Treaty, viz.:

-  promoting  a  cultural  area  common  to  the  European  people  by  highlighting  their  common
cultural characteristics;

- respecting and promoting cultural diversity;

- creativity as a source of sustainable development within the common cultural area;

- the contribution of culture to social cohesion;

- promoting European cultures in non-member countries, and dialogue with other cultures.

The  principle  aim  of  the  "Culture  2000"  programme  is  to  promote  the  development  of  a
cultural area common to the European people and to encourage cooperation between cultural
operators with a view to developing intercultural dialogue, knowledge of history and culture,
transnational  dissemination  of  culture,  cultural  diversity,  creativity,  promotion  of  cultural
heritage and socio-economic and social integration.

In the three years of its existence, the programme has enabled over 700 cooperation projects
to  be  supported  in  performing  arts,  visual  arts,  literature  and  cultural  heritage.  It  has  also
financed  the  translation  of  250  works  and  supported  events  organised  as  part  of  "European
Capitals  of  Culture",  "European  Heritage  Days",  etc.  Overall,  this  represents  thousands  of
cultural operators involved in events reaching hundreds of thousands of citizens a year.

The programme will come to an end at a time of changes of major significance for the future
of  the  European  Union.  The  accession  of  ten  new  Member  States,  the  results  of  the
Intergovernmental Conference based on the work of the Convention on the Future of Europe,
the election of the European Parliament and the appointment of a new Commission are bound
to change the shape of the Union's future action.

Obviously, these changes will be felt in the cultural sector as well, and programmes will have
to be adapted. We are not yet in a position, however, to see exactly what those changes will
be.

Nevertheless, continued Community support is absolutely essential to avoid any disruption of
the Community's cultural activities as provided for by the Treaty,  which involve very many
cultural operators in Europe.

1

Decision  No  508/2000/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  14  February  2000  (OJ  L 63,
10.3.2000).

2

                                                
The  European  Commission  therefore  proposes  to  extend  the  "Culture  2000"  programme
unchanged for 2005 and 2006.

In order to extend the programme, a legal basis for financing the 2005 projects will have to be
adopted in early 2004 and a call for proposals published by the end of the first half of 2004.

At the same  time,  through  preparatory  actions,  the  Commission  will  explore  future  avenues
for  Community  action  in  the  cultural  sphere:  new  ways  of  supporting  cooperation  projects
between  operators,  increased  cooperation  between  Member  States  and  vis-à-vis  third
countries, support for cultural industries, linking culture/education/training.

The experience gained, along with the conclusions drawn from the mid-term evaluation of the
"Culture 2000" programme (required by Article 8 of Decision No 508/2000/EC) will be used
to develop a new approach for a future programme of cultural action and cooperation.

On this basis, the European Commission intends to put forward proposals for a new European
Community framework programme for culture by the end of 2003, to commence in 2007. It
has  emerged  from  discussions  with  the  other  European  institutions  and  with  operators  that,
while experience of Community action on culture under the  "Culture 2000" programme has
been positive, there is still considerable room for improvement. In this regard, the recent work
by the Council and European Parliament will be very useful2.

The Commission therefore proposes:

– 

– 

to extend the "Culture 2000" programme for the years 2005 and 2006;

to  set  the  overall  budget  for  the  extended  "Culture  2000"  programme  at  EUR
236,5 million.

2

In particular: Council Resolution of 25 June 2002: OJ C 162, 6.7.2002, p. 5, European Parliament Resolutions of
5 September 2001, 28 February 2002 and 21 October 2002.

3

                                                
2003/0076 (COD)

Proposal for a

DECISION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL

amending Decision No 508/2000/EC of 14 February 2000 establishing
the "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
Article 151 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission3,

Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions4,

Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty5,

Whereas:

(1)

(2)

Decision  No  508/2000/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of
14 February  2000  establishing  the  “Culture  2000”  programme6  set  up  a  single
financing  and  programming  instrument  for  cultural  cooperation  for  a  period  running
from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2004.

is 

important 

It 
in
implementation  of  the  Union's  responsibilities  under  Article  151  of  the  Treaty  on
European Union.

the  continuity  of  Community  cultural  action 

to  ensure 

(3)

The Culture 2000 programme should therefore be extended for two years, to 2006,

3

4

5

6

OJ C …, …, p. …
OJ C …, …, p. …
OJ C …, …, p. …
OJ L 63, 10.3.2000, p. 1.

4

                                                
HAVE DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Decision No 508/2000/EC is hereby amended as follows:

Article 1

(1)

(2)

In  Article  1,  first  paragraph,  the  date  of  31  December  2004  is  replaced  by
31 December 2006.

In  Article  3,  first  paragraph,  the  amount  of  EUR  167  million  is  replaced  by
EUR 236,5 million.

This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its  publication in
the Official Journal of the European Union.

Article 2

It shall apply from 1 January 2005.

Done at Brussels, […]

For the European Parliament
The President

For the Council
The President

5

LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Policy area(s): Education and Culture

Activity/activities: Cultural cooperation

Title  of  action:  Proposal  for  a  Decision  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council
amending Decision No 508/2000/EC of 14 February 2000 establishing the "Culture 2000"
programme

1.

BUDGET LINE(S) + HEADING(S)

B3-2008B (ABB : 15 04 02 01) – Framework programme in support of culture

B3-2008A  (ABB  :  15  01  04  07)  –  Framework  programme  in  support  of  culture  –
Expenditure on administrative management

2.

OVERALL FIGURES

2.1.

Total allocation for action (Part B): commitment appropriations

EUR 69,500 million EUR25

This  corresponds  to  the  budgetary  impact  over  the  two  years  concerned,  2005  and
2006, of the proposed extension of the programme scheduled to end on 31 December
2004. An amount corresponding to the impact of enlargement in 2004 will be added
to the programme’s allocation as modified by this proposal for extension.

2.2.

Period of application:

From 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2006

2.3.

Overall multiannual estimate of expenditure:

a)

Schedule  of  commitment  appropriations/payment  appropriations 
intervention)

(financial

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total

Commitments EU25

33,600

33,300

66,900

Payments EU25

16,645

30,760

14,235

2,630

2,630

66,900

6

b)

Technical and administrative assistance and support expenditure (cf. point 6.1.2)

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total

Commitments EU25

1,300

1,300

Payments EU25

0,837

1,292

0,471

2,600

2,600

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)

Subtotal a+b

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total

Commitments EU25

34,900

34,600

69,500

Payments EU25

17,482

32,052

14,706

2,630

2,630

69,500

c)

Overall financial impact of human resources and other administrative expenditure
(cf. points 7.2 and 7.3)

EUR million (to 3 decimal places)

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total

Commitments

Payments

2,987

2,988

2,987

2,988

5,975

5,975

TOTAL a+b+c

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Total

Commitments

37,887

37,588

Payments

20,469

35,040

14,706

2,630

2,630

75,475

75,475

2.4

Compatibility with financial programming and financial perspective

[ X ] Proposal compatible with the existing financial programming.

[...] Proposal will entail reprogramming of the relevant heading in the financial

perspective.

Proposal  may  require  application  of  the  provisions  of  the  Interinstitutional
Agreement.

2.5

Financial impact on revenue:

[ X ] Proposal  has  no  financial  implications  (involves  technical  aspects  regarding

implementation of a measure)

7

3.

BUDGET CHARACTERISTICS

Type of expenditure

New

EFTA
participation

Participation
applicant
countries

Heading
Financial
Perspective

Non-Comp

Diff

NO

YES

YES

N° [ 3 ]

4.

LEGAL BASIS

Article 151 of the EC Treaty.

5.

5.1

DESCRIPTION AND GROUNDS

Need for Community intervention

5.1.1. Objectives pursued and Community intervention

The objective is to enable European Union action on cultural cooperation to be continued on
the basis of the Culture 2000 framework programme, due to expire on 31 December 2004.

The programme  will be coming to  an end  at  a time of change  of  major significance for  the
future  of  the  European  Union.  The  accession  of  ten  new  Member  States,  the  results  of  the
Intergovernmental Conference based on the work of the Convention on the Future of Europe,
the election of the European Parliament and appointment of a new Commission are bound to
change the shape of the Union's future action.

Obviously, these changes will be felt in the cultural sector as well, and programmes will have
to be adapted. We are not yet in a position, however, to see exactly what those changes will
be, particularly as the financial perspective has only been defined up to 2006.

It  is  therefore  proposed  to  extend  Decision  No  508/2000/EC  establishing  the  framework
programme by two  years to avoid  any  disruption of  the Community's  cultural  activities,  the
objectives of which – derived from Article 151 of the Treaty – are (Article 1 of the Decision):

a)  promoting  cultural  dialogue  and  mutual  knowledge  of  the  culture  and  history  of  the
European peoples;

b)  promoting  creativity  and  transnational  dissemination  of  culture,  and  the  movement  of
artists, creators and other cultural operators and professionals and their works, with a strong
emphasis on young and socially disadvantaged people and on cultural diversity;

c) highlighting cultural diversity and developing new forms of cultural expression;

d)  sharing  and  highlighting,  at  European  level,  the  common  cultural  heritage  of  European
significance;  disseminating  know-how  and  promoting  good  practice  in  conserving  and
safeguarding that heritage;

e) recognising the role of culture in socio-economic development;

f) fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual exchange between European and non-European
cultures;

8

g)  explicit recognition  of culture as an  economic  factor  and  as  a  factor  in  social  integration
and citizenship;

h) improved access to and participation in culture in the European Union for as many citizens
as possible.

5.1.2 Measures taken in connection with ex ante evaluation

Evaluation  work  (monitoring,  ongoing  evaluation,  initial  conclusions  of  the  mid-term
evaluation  of 
the  Culture  2000  programme  required  under  Article 8  of  Decision
No 508/2000/EC)  has  been  taken  into  account  in  deciding  to  propose  extending  the
programme.

In all, the programme has supported over 700 cooperation projects in performing arts, visual
arts,  literature  and  cultural  heritage.  It  has  also  financed  the  translation  of  250  works  and
supported  events  organised  as  part  of  "European  Capitals  of  Culture",  "European  Heritage
Days", etc.

It  has  contributed  to  promoting  the  development  of  a  common  cultural  area,  encouraging
cooperation  between  cultural  operators  with  a  view  to  developing  intercultural  dialogue,
knowledge  of  history  and  culture,  transnational  dissemination  of  culture,  cultural  diversity,
creativity,  promotion  of  cultural  heritage,  socio-economic  and  social  integration  and
disseminating best practice.

This proposal is also based on a broad debate with the various parties concerned (in the course
of the Forum on cultural cooperation in November 2001, dialogue with the other institutions,
meetings  with  professionals  and  on-site  visits).  The  conclusion  was  that  implementation  of
Community action through the "Culture 2000" programme has been a positive experience.

The  final  results  of  the  mid-term  evaluation  of  the  Culture  2000  programme  will  provide
further guidance for the European Commission on the follow-up to the Community's action in
support  of  culture  and  on  the  design  and  management  of  a  future  cultural  programme  in  a
greatly enlarged European area.

5.1.3 Measures following ex post evaluation

Lessons can be drawn from the experience in respect of:

a)

b)

the programme design;

the programme management.

On the question of design, the proposal is based on the proven value of the Community action
on cultural cooperation and the need to ensure continued Community support and avoid any
disruption of that action, provided for by the Treaty, pending the proposal  for a decision on
new Community intervention policy in the field of culture for the period beyond 2006, to be
presented by the Commission by the end of 2003.

9

Concerning  the  programme  management,  the  Commission  will  draw  on  its  past  experience
and  the  comments  made  in  evaluations  and  audits.  Care  will  be  taken  in  implementing  the
programme to ensure that it is as straightforward and easy to use as possible, as these qualities
are essential to its effectiveness and large-scale use in Europe. The possibility of an executive
agency  is  currently  being  considered  which,  as  far  as  possible,  and  if  justified  by  a  cost-
effectiveness  analysis,  will  be  put  in  charge  of  the  programme's  management  and  other
responsibilities in connection with its implementation, such as monitoring and documentation
of project results.

5.2

Action envisaged and budget intervention arrangements

The programme, to be extended unchanged, if accepted, will involve three types of action:

1. Annual cooperation projects (action 1)
2. Projects run under multiannual cooperation agreements (action 2)
3. Special cultural events with a European or international dimension (action 3).

The ultimate purpose of the three  actions will be the same, i.e. to promote the creation of a
common cultural area.

They  are  addressed  directly  to  cultural  operators  (event  organisers,  theatre  managers,  etc),
and,  through  them,  artists  and  creators,  and,  more  indirectly,  to  all  European  citizens,  in
particular disadvantaged groups and young people.

Co-financing grants are planned for the three types of action above.

The  necessary  support  will  also  be  provided  for  project  evaluation  and  information  and
communication services.

Financing will be 100% for purchases of services (studies, publications, meetings of experts,
evaluations,  technical  assistance  contracts)  and  for  any  contribution  to  a  future  executive
agency, the creation of which is currently being considered.

5.3

Implementation arrangements

The  proposal  follows  the  traditional  Community  approach  on  implementation  in  respect  of
grants and co-financing, based on detailed requests for funding.

The programme will be managed centrally by the Commission, possibly assisted by a future
executive agency currently under consideration. Funds will be needed to cover administrative
expenditure  directly  connected  to  the  programme's  objective  (studies,  meetings  of  experts,
information  and  publications,  contribution  to  the  operating  costs  of  an  executive  agency  or
other technical and administrative assistance).

Funding will be granted on the basis of calls for proposals and invitations to tender.

10

6.

6.1

FINANCIAL IMPACT

Total financial impact on Part B (over the entire programming period)

6.1.1

Financial intervention

Commitments in EUR million (to three decimal places)

Breakdown

2005

2006

14,824

13,150

5,626

33,600

14,624

13,150

5,626

33,300

Total

EU25

29,448

26,300

11,152

66,900

Action 1

Action 2

Action 3

TOTAL

6.1.2

Technical  and  administrative  assistance,  support  expenditure  and  IT  expenditure
(Commitment appropriations)

2005

2006

Total EU25

1. Technical and administrative
assistance:

a) Technical assistance offices

0,000

0,000

0,000

b) Other technical and
administrative assistance:

- intra-muros:

- extra-muros:

0,300

0,375

Subtotal 1

0,675

0,250

0,375

0,625

0,550

0,750

1,300

2005

2006

Total EU25

2) Support expenditure:

a) Studies

b) Meetings of experts

0,100

0,225

c) Information and publications

0,300

Subtotal 2

0,625

0,150

0,225

0,300

0,675

0,250

0,450

0,600

1,300

TOTAL

1,300

1,300

2,600

The nature of this expenditure may vary if a cost-effectiveness study, to be launched in 2003,
recommends using an executive agency for the programme management.

11

6.2

Calculation  of  costs  by  measure  envisaged  in  Part  B  (over  the  entire
programming period)

Commitments in EUR million (to three decimal places)

Breakdown

Type of outputs
(projects, files, etc)

Number of outputs

Average unit
cost

Total cost

(total for years
1…n)

(total for years 1…n)

Action 1

Specific projects:

1

2

350

3

4=(2 x 3)

0,084

29,448

(Performing arts, visual arts, cultural
heritage, books – reading and
translation)

Action 2

Multiannual cooperation
agreements:

39

0,674

26,300

(Performing arts, visual arts, cultural
heritage, books and literature)

Action 3

Major projects:

77

0,145

11,152

(Capitals of Culture, Presidency
seminars, European Heritage Days,
heritage award, architecture award,
heritage laboratories, cultural contact
points (CCP), symposium, European
Cultural Month, cultural statistics)

Management of the
Programme

Expenditure on technical assistance
and support:

TOTAL COST

2,600

69,500

12

7.

IMPACT ON STAFF AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE

The current managers will continue to run the extended programme.

The  human  and  administrative  resources  will  be  covered  by  the  funds  already  granted  for
management purposes.

7.1

Impact on human resources

There  are  no  plans  to  add  further  human  resources  to  those  already  managing  the  Culture
2000 programme.

Type of job

Staff to be assigned to management of the
measure, using existing and/or additional
resources

Total Description of tasks deriving from

the measure

Number of posts

Number of posts

Permanent

Temporary

Officials

Or

Temporary agents

A

B

C

Other human resources

Total

7

3

8

0

18

0

1

1

3

5

7

4

9

3

23

3 nat. experts on detachment

7.2

Overall financial impact of human resources

Type of human resources

Amounts EUR

Method of calculation*

Officials

Temporary agents

Other human resources

(indicate budget heading) 

Total

1 944 000

18x EUR108 000

2x EUR108 000

3x EUR108 000

216 000

324 000

2 484 000

*The amounts represent total expenditure for 12 months.

13

7.3

Other administrative expenditure deriving from the measure

Budget heading

(number and title)

Overall allocation (Title A7)

A0701 (ABB : 01 02 10) - Missions

A07030 (ABB : 01 02 10) - Meetings

A07031 (ABB : 01 02 10) - Compulsory committees (1)

A07040 (ABB : 01 02 10) - Conferences

A0705 (ABB : 01 02 10) - Studies and consultations

… Other expenditure (please specify)

Information systems (A-5001/A-4300)

Other expenditure - Part A (please specify)

Amounts EUR

Method of calculation*

50 000

50 000

53 625

200 000

150 000

25 Member State representatives x
EUR 715 x
3 meetings per year

Total

503 625

*The amounts represent total expenditure for 12 months.

(1) Specify the type of committee and the group to which it belongs

I.

II.

III.

Annual total (7.2 + 7.3)

Duration of the measure

EUR 2 987 625

2 years

Total cost of the measure (I x II)

EUR 5 975 250

The human resource and administrative requirements will be covered by the budget allocated
to the managing Directorate-General under the annual allocation procedure.

8.

8.1

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Monitoring arrangements

For the implementation of the programme, output indicators have been defined in respect of
the number of  projects to be supported: 350 under action 1,39 under  action  2  and  77  under
action 3.

The data collection system for projects and measures co-financed by Culture 2000 operates on
several levels:

- grant application forms

14

-  mid-term  and  final  reports  submitted  by  the  beneficiaries  to  the  Commission  for  its
approval;

- any audits and on-site visits by Commission staff.

8.2

Arrangements and schedule for the planned evaluation

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

The Commission will also present a short annual progress report on the implementation of the
Culture 2000 programme to the European Parliament, the Council and the Committee of the
Regions.

These assessment reports will emphasise in particular the creation of added value, particularly
of  a  cultural  nature,  and  the  socio-economic  consequences  of  the  Community's  financial
support.

9.

FRAUD PREVENTION MEASURES

All  contracts,  agreements  and  legal  undertakings  entered  into  by  the  Commission  and  the
beneficiaries provide for checks to be carried out by the Commission or the Court of Auditors
on the premises of a direct beneficiary of a Community grant, and for evidence to be required
of any expenditure under such contracts, agreements and legal undertakings, within five years
of  the  end  of  the  contract  period.  Beneficiaries  are  subject  to  reporting  and  financial
accounting  obligations,  and  these  are  analysed  from  the  point  of  view  of  content  and
eligibility  of  expenditure,  bearing  in  mind  the  purpose  of  Community  funding  and  taking
account  of  contractual  obligations  and  of  the  principles  of  economy  and  sound  financial
management.

15