Action in the field of culture: Culture 2007 programme (2007-2013)

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Vasco GRAÇA MOURA (EPP-ED, PT) by 553 votes in favour, 61 against with 29 abstentions and made some amendments to the proposal. Parliament voted for an increase in EU funding for cultural exchanges and preserving heritage of European significance. Whereas the Commission had suggested EUR 408 million for the period 2007-13, Parliament asked for EUR 600 million. It also made the following amendments:

-there must be measures promote the preservation and knowledge of cultural heritage of European significance; 

-there must be support for actions relating to musical and artistic education which promote exchanges of best practice and closer cooperation at European level;

-the Commission shall ensure a link between the programme and other Community measures, particularly in the fields of education, vocational training, youth, sport, languages, social inclusion, EU external policy, combating discrimination, and research;

-there is a new article on transparency measures;

-the programme must promote cultural and linguistic diversity in all its forms in Europe;

-the evaluation report must be independent and external;

-each network shall consist of at least six operators from four (rather than six) different countries participating in the programme. Each network shall have a lead operator, who is to represent the other operators taking part, and who is to be responsible to the Commission.

-Community support may not exceed 70% of any project budget - the Commission proposed a maximum share of 50%. Strand 1 (support for projects) - Within this strand, expenditure on cooperation measures was increased from 24% to 30%, while expenditure on cooperation focal points was reduced from 36% to 29% and expenditure on special actions from 17% to 16%; Strand 2 (support for organisations) - the total percentage of the programme budget was increased from 10% to 14%; Strand 3 (analysis and information) - the 5% share of the programme budget was left unchanged.

-Parliament deleted support for action for the preservation and commemoration of the main sites and archives associated with the deportations;

-each action should be designed and carried out in partnership by at least three cultural operators (rather than four);

-the countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy must be included in accordance with the action plans to be drawn up;

-the name of the programme should be changed from Culture 2007 to Culture.