91997E3847

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3847/97 by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission (5 December 1997)

Subject: Designation of 'the cultural capital of Europe'

In replying on behalf of the Commission to Written Question E-3127/96 ((OJ C 105, 3.4.1997, p. 54. )) Mr Oreja made it clear that no application for funding had yet been made by the Greek authorities for the 'Thessaloniki - 1997 cultural capital of Europe' event. Given that one year has since elapsed and the event is now drawing to a close, can the Commission say whether it did finally provide funding for 'Thessaloniki - 1997 cultural capital of Europe' and if so, how much?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (6 February 1998)

The Commission made the following financial contributions to the European City of Culture event in 1997.

1. A contribution of ECU 403 012 under Action IV of the Kaleidoscope Programme (Item B2-2001) to support the five activities below:

- Soprano Vasso Papantaniou (and the Hungarian State Orchestra 11/11/1997) ECU 24 089

- The Hungarian State Orchestra 11-12/11/1997 ECU 47 289

- Ionio University Choir 22/11/1997 ECU 18 991

- The Opera 'Konstantinos Palaiologos' 26-28/11/1997 ECU 296 390

- Paul Mercier's 'Kitchensink' 1-2/12/1997 ECU 16 253

2. A contribution of ECU 208 556 under Item B3-2003 (Other cultural measures in the Community and in cooperation with third countries) for the organisation of the exhibition 'Treasures from the Monasteries of Mont Athos.'

The Community contribution for 1997 therefore totals ECU 611 568.

As is the case every year, the Commission made a contribution of ECU 344 890 to the organisation of the Aristeion Prizes (The European Literary Prize and The European Translation Prize). This is part of the European City of Culture event.