European Capital of Culture for the years 2005 to 2019: participation of the new Member States

The Council endorsed in full the amendment proposed by the Parliament and accepted by the Commission which introduces a recital on adjusting the budget to allow for the fact that there will b two capitals per year. The Council, like the Commission, considered that the other amendments tabled went beyond the scope of the proposal and did not regard it as appropriate to incorporate them. Lastly, it considers that its common position is balanced and fully in line with the main objective of the Commission's proposal, thereby facilitating the participation of the new Member States in the European Capital of Culture event as soon as possible.