91998E0195

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0195/98 by Helena Torres Marques (PSE) to the Commission (28 January 1998)

Subject: Projects selected under the Rafael programme

According to 'Agence Europe' (29 December 1997), the Commission selected 92 projects for the conservation and improvement of the cultural heritage under the Rafael programme, for the financial year 1997.

Can the Commission state which of the 92 projects selected concerned Portugal, and what funds were allocated to them?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (13 February 1998)

Of the 841 projects which applied for Community financial assistance under the Raphael programme, 92 were selected and a total of ECU 9 416 121 awarded.

As the system currently stands, projects are not considered in terms of which Member State the application comes from. The basis is rather whether the project is the product of cooperation based on well-founded and effective partnership with clear evidence of a European dimension. Each project is coordinated by a professional working in the field of culture and must demonstrate participation by professionals in the arts from other Member States or Associated States.

Of the projects selected for 1997, 18 involved Portuguese professionals in the field. Of these, one is a project coordinator. The project is 'Estudo da técnica da pintura portuguesa do século XVI', submitted by the Instituto José de Figueiredo in Lisbon.

The total amount allocated is ECU 948 125.