Cultural heritage: Community action programme 1997-2000, Raphaël

The amended Commission proposal incorporates more than half of the amendments adopted by Parliament at first reading. The accepted amendments are aimed, in particular, at: - adding the restoration of cultural heritage to the specific objectives of the programme; - giving more precise and detailed information about activities to be undertaken with regard to information (for different publics, including operators, Community support, and in relation to other EU policies). All projects receiving financial support under the Raphael programme are required to display the European Union flag and acknowledge funding; - opening up the programme to the participation of the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Cyprus and Malta, and cooperation with the Council of Europe and UNESCO; - encouraging access, whether virtual or otherwise, for everyone (especially particular groups such as young people) to culture. The Commission has not accepted the amendments relating to the budgetary aspects. In this connection, the overall budget planned for the implementation of the programme, for the period 1996-2000, totals MECU 67. �