Culture Community programmes: participation of the Czech republic in Raphaël

The European Parliament adopted without debate the report by Mrs Odile LEPERRE-VERRIER (ARE, F) on the participation of the Czech Republic in Community programmes in the field of culture. Parliament adopted a number of changes which sought to stress the fundamental role of culture in bringing peoples together and the positive effects of cultural activity on the economic and social development and democratic functioning of applicant countries. It also mentioned that cultural diversity in these countries needed to be respected, as did the minorities of which they are composed. It likewise considered that these countries should be permanently associated with the cultural programmes of the European Union irrespective of their transitional stage. Finally, from the point of view of the budget, it felt that the breakdown of appropriations to fund this action should appear in section III, part B of the European Union budget. It also insisted on greater transparency in debates concerning the various programme committees with which these countries should be more closely associated.�