91999E2340

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2340/99

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 December 1999)

Subject: Protection of the Elgin Marbles

For a fee, the British Museum in London makes available to wealthy and serious sponsors the room containing the Elgin Marbles for official banquets, requiring payment of security against possible damage. The Elgin Marbles however are known to belong to the Parthenon which has been designated by Unesco as part of the world heritage.

Since by this practice the British Museum is failing to show the respect due to a part of the world heritage and is actually placing the Marbles in danger, as evidenced by the security required by the British Museum against possible damage, what steps will the Commission take to meet its obligations under Article 128 of the EU Treaty requiring it to help in the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage of European significance with a view to protecting the Elgin Marbles in the British Museum?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(13 January 2000)

Article 151 (ex-Article 128) of the EC Treaty gives the Community the power to encourage cooperation in the area of culture. The question raised by the Honourable Member is outside the Community's field of competence but, by virtue of the principle of subsidiarity, is the exclusive responsibility of the Member States.