(2004/C 78 E/0998)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0224/04

by Roberta Angelilli (UEN) to the Commission

(2 February 2004)

Subject:   ‘Militaria e Dintorni in Europa’ (Militaria Fair)

For a number of years a Militaria Fair has been held in Rome which, because of its specialist nature, has gained such importance that it is now the only fair of its kind in central/southern Italy. The fair was designed to attract collectors of military memorabilia from Italy and abroad (items come from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Greece, Poland, the United States and Russia) and others interested in the subject.

Thanks to the professional approach of the Organising Committee and the special nature of the objects exhibited, the Militaria Fair has outgrown its original format and has become an event of historical and cultural significance. Over the years there have been exhibitions of uniforms, documents, arms and antiques of major historical importance, such as Enrico Toti's bicycle, the personal effects of Giuseppe Mazzini, Guglielmo Marconi's instruments, Garibaldi's sword, Chiaffredo Bergia's decorations and vast collections of toy soldiers, originals or reproductions made by expert craftsmen, which are miniature masterpieces.

The importance acquired by the Militaria Fair over the years is reflected in the sponsorship it has secured for each edition from the Lazio Region, the Province of Rome, the city of Rome and the XVIIth district in which the fair actually takes place. Institutions are also involved, for instance the Historical museum of the Carabinieri, the Customs Service, the Rome traffic police, the Military section of the Italian Red Cross, along with historical associations such as the Garibaldini and the Mentana Museum and, of course, private individuals.

However, the costs (including rent for the exhibition area, fixtures and fittings, organisation and insurance costs and publicity) far exceed the potential proceeds from ticket sales and fees for stands.

Can the Commission say whether grants are available for initiatives of this kind?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(17 February 2004)

The Commission supports the initiatives for transnational cooperation in the cultural sector, but only within the framework and on the basis of the selection criteria for the Culture 2000 programme which is the sole financing and planning instrument for cultural cooperation in the Union.

This programme is intended to support projects coproduced and cofinanced by at least three operators from at least three countries participating in the programme.

The Honourable Member can find further information on the following websites (in English and French respectively): (http://europa.eu.int/comm/culture/index_en.htm).

The Commission is not aware of any projects of this type put forward by other Member States.