No L 99/20 Official Journal of the European Communities 20. 4. 96 DECISION No 719/96/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 29 March 1996 establishing a programme to support artistic and cultural activities having a European dimension (Kaleidoscope) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 128 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission ('), Having regard to the opinion of the Committee of the Regions (%), Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 18%b of the Treaty (*), having regard to the joint text approved on 31 January 1996 by the Conciliation Committee, (1)  Whereas, in reality, the most tangible and influen- tial aspect of Europe as a whole is not merely its geographical, political, economic and social features but also its culture; whereas the perception of Europe in the world is largely determined by the position and strength of its cultural values; ()  Whereas the Treaty confers on the Community responsibility for contributing to the flowering of the cultures of the Member States by improving the knowledge and dissemination of the culture and history of the European peoples and by encoura- ging cultural exchanges and artistic and literary creation; (3)  Whereas cultural diversity, as expressed at national and regional level, must be preserved and the works of European artists and creators which are a mani- () OJ No C 324, 22. 11. 1994, p. S and OJ No C 278, 24. 10. 1995, p. 9. * O inioI:] delivered on 21 April 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal). () Opinion of the European Parliament of 7 April 1995 (OJ No C 109, 1. 5. 1995, p. 281), Common Position of the Council of 10 July 1995 (O] No C 281, 25. 10. 1995, p. 10), and Deci- sion of the European Parliament of 15 November 1995 (O] No C 323, 4. 12. 1995, p. 31). Decision of the European Parli- ament of 14 March 1996 (O] No C 96, 1. 4. 1996) and Deci- sion of the Council of 14 March 1996. @ (6) ) ®) festation of the richness of the many identities of the Member States must be promoted; whereas creators and professionals should accordingly be involved more closely in the implementation of Community actions in the cultural field; Whereas it is also important to encourage all citizens, from a diversity of social and regional backgrounds, including the least-favoured, and especially young people, to become more involved in culture by promoting greater access to culture and the arts for the various European audiences and helping to increase mutual knowledge and respect and to promote the idea of citizenship of the Euro- pean Union; Whereas, with due regard for the principle of subsi- diarity as defined in Article 3b of the Treaty, cooperation through networks would seem to be one of the best ways of breaking down barriers and helping both professionals and volunteers in the cultural sector to cooperate more closely on the ground, thereby paving the way for a greater number of higher quality exchanges and helping artists improve their professional skills; Whereas, within the framework of the actions under this programme, possibilities should be made available to operators from different regions in Europe to cooperate on transnational artistic projects which will strengthen their links while respecting cultural diversity; Whereas Community action in support of artistic and cultural events with a European dimension and European cooperation measures with wide scope and an innovative or exemplary nature promote the spread of different cultures whilst bringing artists and creators closer to the European public, and can also create added value at a socio-economic level by encouraging operational synergies and partnership; Whereas support in the sphere of the arts and culture can boost economic activity and employ- ment;