European capital of culture: Community action, years 2005 to 2019

OBJECTIVE: Community- level nomination of the 'European City of Culture', the purpose of which is to highlight the cultural wealth and diversity of the cities of Europe whilst emphasizing their shared cultural heritage. SUBSTANCE: in accordance with the wishes of the European Parliament, which, in its opinion of 7 April 1995 on the KALEIDOSCOPE programme (COD94188), had called the presentation of a specific programme on the European City of Culture after the year 2000, the Commission has tabled a proposal to incorporate this event into the Community framework (Article 128 of the Treaty). Hitherto, decisions on the European City of Culture have been taken at intergovernmental level in the context of the EU Culture Council. The Commission therefore proposes that: - each year from 2002, a city be chosen to carry out a cultural project on a specific European theme (possibly in association with other European cities), - the 'European Cultural Month' event be discontinued, - from 2000 to 2005, a 'European City of Culture' event be organized at Community level as part of, and financed by, the future single 'Culture' programme, - these proposals be adopted under the codecision procedure and the European City of Culture be designated by the Council, after consulting Parliament, by a qualified majority, - in order to ensure proper preparation of the programme for the event, the Council should designate, as an exception during the transition period, the European City of Culture for 2001 (the cities for 2000 having already been selected). The proposal lays down details regarding the procedure for choosing the European City of Culture (formation of a selection panel, applications) and stipulates that the initiative is open to the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Cyprus, EEA countries and all European countries which have concluded a cooperation agreement containing a cultural clause. �