Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision for the establishment of a Community action in favour of the 'European City of Culture' event
COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES Brussels, 27. 05. 1998 COM(1998) 350 final 97/0290 (COD) Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision for the establishment of a Community action in favour of the "European City of Culture" event. (presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) of the EC-Treaty) Explanatory Memorandum European City of Culture Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision for the establishment of a Community action in favour of the "European City of Culture" event. 1. On 30 October 1997, the Commission presented a proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision for the establishment of a Community action in favour of the "European City of Culture" event (COM 97/549-97/0290 COD). On 30 April 1998, the European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution (A4/0083/98), in which they approve the Commission proposal, subject to certain amendments. 1 This modified proposal integrates those amendments which have been accepted by the Commission, during discussions with the Parliament. It is worth noting that the Commission has, in most cases, accepted the amendments, as suggested. 2. Of the amendments accepted, some are drafting changes, some add new elements to the proposal. 3. In a limited number of cases, the Commission was not able to include the amendments. These concern four main points: (the procedure for designating cities, the participation of certain third countries, the ending of the European Cultural Month and the total finance for the initiative), which were not able to be incorporated for the following reasons: • The procedure proposed by the Commission, while fully involving all of the Community institutions, was relatively flexible in order to allow for the decision to be made within a reasonable amount of time. A more laborious procedure, such as that envisaged by Article 189b would, from a purely practical point of view, not operate effectively and would hinder the functioning of the programme. Moreover, as the legal service of the European Parliament has confirmed, the Commission proposal is legally correct in the sense that "this is not a measure with any legislative function, but instead a decision implementing or applying a legislative act adopted under the co-decision procedure". • The Commission proposal has taken into account the undertakings and agreements which bind the European Union as regards the participation of associated third countries in Community programmes. These agreements envisage that, as with other Community programmes, this initiative will be open to the countries of the European Economic Area, to the associated countries of central and eastern Europe, to Cyprus and to other European third countries which Oral hearing N°268301, page 16 L central and eastern Europe, to Cyprus and to other European third countries which have concluded co-operation agreements with the European Union containing a cultural clause. • The Commission planned to bring to an end the European Cultural Month because, firstly it did not wish to continue an initiative which, due to its limited duration has not had significant impact and secondly, and most importantly, because the "European City of Culture" was to be opened to the EEA and CEE countries. a The total financing for the "European City of Culture" is envisaged in the for the establishment of a "Cultural Framework Commission proposal Programme", of which this initiative will be an integral part. 1 European Parliament amendments contained in the Commission modified proposal 1-2-3-4-5-6-11 Amendments accepted in part 9 Amendments not accepted 7-8-10-12-13-14 jBttf|f|^'P^fiamettt;and *i ^ ^ - >" Proposal for a Ame» •ParJ$f?| for a'Etffojsëan feeîsîim Proposal for a EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL DECISION COUNCIL DECISION establishing a Community initiative establishing a Community initiative for for "The European City of Culture" event "The European City of Culture" event THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, 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 189b of the Treaty, and THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, 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 189b of the Treaty, and 1/ Whereas Europe has, throughout its history, been the site of exceptionally prolific and varied artistic activity; whereas urban life has played a major role in the growth and influence of the European cultures; 1/ Whereas Europe has, throughout its history, been the site of exceptionally prolific and varied artistic activity; whereas urban life has played a major role in the growth and influence of the European cultures; (Article 128); 2/ Whereas the EC Treaty gives the Community competence in the cultural all field Community activity designed to promote the arts should therefore be placed on the new legal basis, in accordance with the objectives and means assigned to the Community by the Treaty; whereas (Article 128); 2/ Whereas the EC Treaty gives the Community competence in the cultural all field Community activity designed to promote the arts should therefore be placed on the new legal basis, in accordance with the objectives and means assigned to the Community by the Treaty; whereas Whereas, on 13 June 1985, the 3/ Ministers responsible for cultural affairs meeting within the Council adopted a annual resolution concerning the Whereas, on 13 June 1985, the 3/ Ministers responsible for cultural affairs meeting within the Council adopted a annual resolution concerning the organisation of the "European City of Culture", the main aim of which was to make certain cultural aspects of the city, region or country in question accessible to the European public, an event for the European Community has which provided financial support; organisation of the "European City of Culture", the main aim of which was to make certain cultural aspects of the city, region or country in question accessible to the European public, an event for the European Community has which provided financial support; in on Whereas Parliament, the 4/ discussions leading up to its opinion of the Kaleidoscope 7 April 1995 programme,1 asked the Commission to the present a specific programme on European City of Culture after the year 2000 on the basis of Article 128 of the EC Treaty; in on Whereas Parliament, the 4/ discussions leading up to its opinion of 7 April 1995 the Kaleidoscope programme, asked the Commission to the present a specific programme on European City of Culture after the year 2000 on the basis of Article 128 of the EC Treaty; any Whereas 5/ Community initiative to promote the "European City of Culture" must predefined objectives and use the resources provided for by the Treaty in accordance with Article 128; satisfy any Whereas 5/ Community initiative to promote the "European City of Culture" must predefined objectives and use the resources provided for by the Treaty in accordance with Article 128; satisfy 5/a. Whereas the study which has been carried out of the results achieved by 1{uropean Cities of Culture shows that the event has a positive impact in terms of media tourist resonance, cultural and realization by development i 11habitants of the importance of their city having been chosen; and the 5/h. Whereas the positive effects have nonetheless not always produced results lasting beyond the duration of the project itself and whereas the attention of public the cities chosen decision-makers should be drawn to the need to integrate the cultural project into a dynamic medium-term process in Having 5/c. i!nportance of strengthening I {uropean integration; this local regard to initiative both and identity the dual for for >/(!. Whereas this initiative may be of € for action in compliance with the 6/Whereas, principles laid down by Article 128, a "European City of Culture" is to be selected each year to organise a cultural project on a specific, European theme, possibly in association with other European cities; particular importance for medium-sized cities; to in compliance with 6/Whereas, the principles for action laid down by Article 128, a European City of Culture is to be selected each year to organise a cultural project of such a nature as lend effective support to cultural creativity on identity, a and specific future, living economic, social and cultural forces and geared to European cultural development in all its diversity; theme based on characteristics, to the desire supported by to contribute its own its own history such since the project should be 6/a. Whereas in association with other developed European an cities, arrangement is likely to be beneficial; submits an whereas of for application must, reasons for responsibility consistency, assume programming vis-à-vis the European authorities and the partner cities; the city which Whereas the "European Cultural 7/Whereas 7/ Month" event should be discontinued; Month" event should be discontinued; the "European Cultural Whereas the Community has in 8/ the the past made a contribution, to "European City of Culture" and the "European Cultural Month" events under the Kaleidoscope Programme, which is due to expire in 1998;2 8/Whereas the Community has in the past to the "European made a contribution the "European City of Culture" and Cultural Month" the under Kaleidoscope Programme, which is due to expire in 1998;2 events in accordance 9/ Whereas the Council adopted a Decision on 30 June 1997 calling on the Commission, with Article 152 of the EC Treaty, to conduct a study prior to presenting proposals for a for by single culture May 1998, an Action into which "European City of Culture" will be incorporated, funding arrangements, programme including ^ in adopted accordance 9/Whereas a the Council Decision on 30 June 1997 calling on the Commission, with Article 152 of the EC Treaty, to conduct a study prior to presenting proposals for a for by single culture May 1998, an Action into which "European City of Culture" will be incorporated, funding arrangements, programme including HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 Article 1 shall organise The Community a promotional initiative entitled "European City of Culture". The purpose shall be to highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures, and the features they share, and promote greater mutual acquaintance between Union citizens. shall organise The Community a promotional initiative entitled "European City of Culture". The purpose shall be to highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures, and the features they share, and promote greater mutual acquaintance between Union citizens. Article 2 Article 2 From 2002, the "European City of Culture" shall be chosen in accordance with the following procedure: From 2002, the "European City of Culture" shall be chosen in accordance with the following procedure: - - three years before the event is due to begin, the Member States concerned shall submit to the Commission an application for the town or towns, as described in Article 3, for the year in question; the shall form objectives the Commission a Selection Panel which shall deliver its opinion on the applications, judged against and characteristics of this Action. The Selection Panel shall be composed of seven leading independent figures of whom two shall be appointed by Parliament, two by the Council, two by the Commission and one by the the Regions. The Committee of Selection Panel shall present its opinion to the Commission; - - three years before the event is due to begin, the Member States concerned shall submit to the Commission an application for the town or towns, as described in Article 3, for the year in question; the leading objectives independent the Commission shall each year form a Selection Panel which shall deliver its opinion on the applications, judged against and characteristics of this Action. The Selection Panel shall be composed of figures seven who are experts on and are from the cultural sector, of whom two shall be appointed by Parliament, two by the Council, two by the Commission and one by the Committee of the Regions. Membership of the Selection Panel the shall be exercise of any public elective office. The Selection Panel shall elect a incompatible with chairman from amon% its rnambera The Sctectkm Panel shtill present its t)f>fnkm k) I he ( '(MIHIHSSHH». - on a arapaaaf n w* là» Cowrowwion anal after It* European Parliament IKLS ••an comufcad, tha Council, acting by quaJifiad majority, shall designate the the 'Euroatan CHy of Culture' for yaar in on a proposal from the Commiaakm and after the European Parliament has been consulted, the Council, acting by qualified majority, shall designate the 'European City of Culture' fer the year in question ArtfclaS Tha application muat present it cultural project focusing on a specif*; European theme and baaed principally on cultural the cooperation, objectives and measures provided lor by Article 128 of the EC Treaty. The project may be organised in association with other European cities. in accordance with in accordance with The application must present a cultural project focusing on a specific European tliemc and based principally on cultural the cooperation, objectives and measures provided for by Article 128 of the EC Treaty. The project may be organised in association with other European cities, to be chosen by the proposing city, which shall the project throughout. lead the theme, The application must specify how, within the scope allowed by the applicant city intends: - to highlight artistic movements and styles shared by Europeans which it has inspired or it has made a to which significant contribution; - to promote cultural events and works involving people active in culture from other cities the lasting cultural Union and cooperation; in Member States of leading to - to receive citizens of the Union and reach as wide an audience as possible for the various events by employing a multimedia, multilingual approach; and the theme, their movement within in culture from other cities The application must specify how, within the scope allowed by the applicant city intends: to highlight artistic movements and - styles shared by Europeans which it has inspired or it has made a to which significant contribution; involving people to promote events - active in Member States of the Union and leading to to lasting cultural cooperation, and facilitate the I{uropean Union; - to support and develop creative work, in any is an essential element which cultural policy; and - ensure participate>n of the population and, as a consequence, the its social continuity beyond the festivities: - to encourage the reception of citizens of the Union and the widest possible dissemination of the various events by forms of multimedia, employing all the mobilization large sect ions of the Action and the year of impact of to 3 - to promote dialogue between European cultures and those from other parts of the world. audiovisual media, particularly by creating an Internet site and by means of a multilingual approach, in order that as wide a public as possible in the city, the Union as a whole and beyond can in the cultural programmes participate ; i nd there by promote initiation of the lasting cultural cooperation projects; - to promote dialogue between European cultures and those from other parts of the world and, in that spirit, to optimize the opening up to, and understanding of, others, which are fundamental cultural values; - to optimi/. e the historic heritage, urban design and life, which are indissociable from the cultural dimension of cities, and, in particular, highlight the relationship between using the existing heritage and contemporary creative work. the quality of urban Article 4 A Hide 4 The countries of the European Economic Area, the associated countries of central and eastern Europe, Cyprus and European third countries which have concluded cooperation the agreements Community containing a cultural clause shall be allowed to participate in this initiative. with The countries of the European Economic Area, the associated countries of central and eastern Europe, Cyprus and European third countries which have concluded cooperation the agreements Community containing a cultural clause shall be allowed to participate in this initiative. with Article 5 Article 5 The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of this intiative Each year it shall produce a report evaluating the results of the previous year's event. to This Parliament, the Committee of the Regions. shall be presented the Council report and The Commission shall be responsible for the implementation of this intiative Each year it shall produce a report evaluating the results of the previous year's event. to This Parliament, the Committee of the Regions. shall the Council be presented report and Article 6 Article 6 initiative, containing This detailed information on procedure and closing dates for submission of applications, shall be published each year in the C Scries of the Official Journal of the European Communities. initiative, containing This detailed information on procedure and closing dates for submission of applications, shall be published each year in the C Series of the Official Journal of the European ( Communities. Article 7 Article 7 This Decision shall enter into force on This Decision shall enter into force on See report by Mr Augias PE 211. 116/1 m of 27 Msirch 1995; Amended Commission proposal COM(95) 37"? final of 28 July 1095; Decision 719/96 of 29 March 19% (rccilal 11 ) establishing a programme to support artistic and cultural activities having a European dimension (Kaleidoscope). See European Parliament and Council Decision 719/96 of 29 March 1996 establishing the Kaleidoscope Programme (Action 4). / il ISSN 0254-1475 COM(98) 350 final DOCUMENTS EN 16 13 14 Catalogue number : CB-CO-98-360-EN-C ISBN 92-78-36916-0 Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg