Development of Community cultural programmes
The Culture Council, meeting in Luxembourg on 30 June 1997, held an open debate on the future of European Community cultural action. Ministers held discussions on an Italian proposal to establish a community instrument embracing the entire area of culture and redefine the content and aims of cultural action in its various aspects. The proposal for such an instrument would involve a European fund, a framework programme or an integrated Community programme. The audiovisual sector, which is already covered by specific Directives and programmes, including the MEDIA programme, would not be covered by the proposed instrument. Its main objectives would, therefore, be those established in the cultural programme already adopted - KALEIDOSCOPE and ARIANE - or in the process of adoption - RAPHAEL. The new instrument would better define the areas, and the related requirements and parameters, in which action is to be taken, as well as expanding them by identifying important areas of interest to the Community. The debate demonstrated widespread support for the guiding principles of the Italian suggestion, in particular the need to overcome the present fragmentation of actions. Delegations noted that careful evaluation of the results of the existing programmes would be a prerequisite for defining a new instrument. It was also clear that the Council could not support an increase in the overall amount of Community spending on cultural activities. The Council also discussed the situation regarding the conciliation talks with the Parliament on the RAPHAEL Community action programme in the field of cultural heritage, prior to the second meeting of the Conciliation Committee to be held on 2 July. At this meeting, the two delegations finally reached agreement on the programme. This provides for a four-year programme (1997-2000), with a budget of ECU 30 million. This budget will be re-examined before the end of 1998, on the basis of the programme's results at that point and the prevailing financial situation. It may be recalled that the Parliament had voted for a budget of ECU 86 million. Certain other amendments from the Parliament were incorporated, but these will not introduce substantial changes to the Council's common position. The methods for implementing of the programme are based on the same model as those adopted for the other cultural programmes. The text agreed must now be approved by both Council and Parliament before the Decision can be finally adopted.