WRITTEN QUESTION E-2269/02

by Frédérique Ries (ELDR) to the Commission

(24 July 2002)

Subject: European funding for cities bidding for Capital of Culture status

Is it acceptable to the Commission that European funding (such as the Regional Development Fund) be used by cities bidding for Capital of Culture status between the years 2005-2019, for the preparation of their bid, while other competing cities from the same Member State are perhaps not in receipt of such funding?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(24 September 2002)

The Commission draws attention to its reply to Written Question E-3490/01 from Mrs Kinnock(1).

Under the subsidiarity principle, selection of projects to be part-financed from the Structural Funds is the responsibility of the national and regional managing authorities. This principle covers any use of these resources for preparation of a European City of Culture bid.

Many programmes adopted contain measures aimed at boosting a region's image and identity so leading to attraction of outside investment and creation of new jobs. Accordingly the managing authorities may select projects relating directly or indirectly to preparation of such a bid.

(1) OJ C 160 E, 4.7.2002, p. 122.