92001E1514

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1514/01

by Stavros Xarchakos (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(21 May 2001)

Subject: Eurovision song contest

The Eurovision song contest was started some decades ago with the aim of bringing songs from the various countries in Europe to a wider audience. Over the years it has brought the musical work of numerous European composers, songwriters and performers to public attention and provided an opportunity to hear songs sung in the languages of all European countries with their own individual musical characteristics.

In recent years, the contest has changed. There is now a widespread view that the lyrics of the songs may be sung in a language other than that of the country being represented, increasingly the language being English since it is considered to be more commercial and international. The outcome of this situation is an extrinsic approach to song-writing inconsistent with the European tradition and beyond anything recognisably European. All the songs in the contest are practically identical and do not have any of the particular musical features of the country concerned, let alone the language.

Will the Commission say:

- whether the Eurovision song contest is financially supported (directly or indirectly) by the EU;

- what its view is of the dominance of English lyrics at the expense, for example, of Danish, Swedish, Greek, Portuguese or Dutch; and

- whether it can effectively intercede with the organising committee of the contest to ensure respect for the language and cultural diversity of the countries in the Union?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(12 July 2001)

The Eurovision Song Contest is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and has not received financial support from the Community.

The EBU is a professional association of national broadcasters throughout the world; it is based in Geneva and acts on behalf of its members in Europe.

With regard to Community competence, particularly in the area of culture, Article 151 (ex Article 128) of the EC Treaty grants the Community competence solely in encouraging by financial means co-operation between Member States.

Consequently, any change to the rules for participation in the Eurovision Song Contest does not fall within Community competence.