Cultural heritage: Community action programme 1997-2000, Raphaël

The rapporteur highlighted above all the economic and social repercussions of a policy for the preservation of cultural heritage, particularly as regards job creation. He regretted, however, that the budget allocated to the Raphaël programme was not sufficient to implement a global, coherent cultural policy. He mentioned some of the amendments that sought in particular to ensure that the most disadvantaged groups had access to the programmes and to develop vocational training in the field of management and information with regard to cultural heritage. Commissioner OREJA pointed out that the Commission’s cultural policy, based on Article 128, had developed around five aspects. In terms of safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage, the Union’s commitment should be evident in its actions.