27.12.2006 Official Journal of the European Union L 372/1 (Acts whose publication is obligatory) DECISION No 1855/2006/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 12 December 2006 establishing the Culture Programme (2007 to 2013) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Commu- nity, and in particular the first indent of Article 151(5) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Having regard to the Opinion of the Committee of the Regions (1), Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (3, Whereas: 1 O A It is essential to promote cooperation and cultural exchanges in order to respect and promote the diversity of cultures and languages in Europe and improve knowl- edge among European citizens of European cultures other than their own, while at the same time heightening their awareness of the common European cultural heritage they share. Promoting cultural and linguistic cooperation and diversity thus helps to make European citizenship a tangible reality by encouraging direct participation by European citizens in the integration process. An active cultural policy aimed at the preservation of European cultural diversity and the promotion of its common cultural elements and cultural heritage can contribute to improving the external visibility of the European Union. For citizens to give their full support to, and participate fully in, European integration, greater emphasis should be placed on their common cultural values and roots as a key element of their identity and their membership of a society founded on freedom, equity, democracy, respect for human O] C 164, 5.7.2005, p. 65. Position of the European Parliament of 25 October 2005 (O] C 272 E, 9.11.2006, p. 233), Council Common Position of 18 July 2006 (OJ C 238 E, 3.10.2006, p. 18) and Position of the European Parliament of 24 October 2006 (not yet published in the Official Journal). Council Decision of 11 December 2006. dignity and integrity, tolerance and solidarity, in full compliance with the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. It is essential that the cultural sector contribute to, and play a role in, broader European political developments. The cultural sector is an important employer in its own right and there is, in addition, a clear link between investment in culture and economic development, hence the importance of reinforcing cultural policies at regional, national and European level. Accordingly, the place of cultural industries in the developments taking place under the Lisbon Strategy should be strengthened, as these industries are making an increasingly large contribution to the European economy. It is also necessary to promote active citizenship and strengthen the fight against exclusion in all its forms, including racism and xenophobia. Improving access to culture for as many as possible can be a means of combating social exclusion. Article 3 of the Treaty stipulates that, in all the activities referred to in that Article, the Community is to aim at eliminating inequalities, and at promoting equality, between men and women. The Kaleidoscope, Ariane, Raphael and Culture 2000 cultural programmes, set out respectively in Decisions Nos 719/96JEC (%), 2085(97[EC (), 2228/97/EC () and 508/2000/EC (°), marked positive stages in the implemen- tation of Community action on culture. Considerable experience has thus been acquired, particularly through the evaluation of these cultural programmes. It is at present worthwhile to rationalise and strengthen Community 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) (O] L 99, 20.4.1996, p. 20). Decision as amended by Decision No 477[1999/EC (O] L 57, 5.3.1999, p. 2). Decision No 2085/97/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 October 1997 establishing a programme of support, including translation, in the field of books and reading (Ariane) (O] L 291, 24.10.1997, p. 26). Decision as amended by Decision No 476/ 1999/EC (O] L 57, 5.3.1999, p. 1). Decision No 2228/97/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 1997 establishing a Community action programme in the field of cultural heritage (The Raphael Programme) (OJ L 305, 8.11.1997, p. 31). Decision as repealed by Decision No 508/2000/EC (OJ L 63, 10.3.2000, p. 1). Decision No 508/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 February 2000 establishing the Culture 2000 programme (O] L 63, 10.3.2000, p. 1). Decision as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 885/2004 (O] L 168, 1.5.2004, p. 1).