(2004/C 88 E/0133)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2995/03

by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 October 2003)

Subject:   Damage to valuable relics contained in the temple of St Sophia

Recently the new director of the St Sophia museum, Serazitin Sachin, informed the Turkish Directorate-General for Museums and the Cultural Heritage that 550 invaluable icons and relics (gospels and sacerdotal vestments) had been severely damaged by damp whilst in storage in the temple of St Sophia having been brought in from many orthodox churches in Turkey when they fall into disuse.

Since 1985 St Sophia has been classified as a World Heritage Site and the latest Turkish National Programme for the implementation of the ‘acquis’ indicates that cultural works belonging to the world as a whole are protected under law of 17 June 1987 so as to preserve them in perfect condition for future generations. In view of this, will the Commission adopt a firm position on this matter?

Do the Turkish pre-accession and MEDA programmes include funding earmarked for cultural purposes, in particular the preservation of cultural treasures such as those stored in St Sophia?

Does the Commission not consider that such a serious situation constitutes a backward step regarding compliance with the Community ‘acquis’. What action does it intend to take in response?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(12 November 2003)

As already mentioned in the Commission's recent reply to Written Question E-2962/03 by Mr Alavanos (1), the Community's financial assistance programme for Turkey does not allow provision of support for conserving and restoring religious or cultural works, such as those stored in the Hagia Sofia. The programme is designed primarily to support Turkey's alignment with Union standards in the political, economic and legislative areas. Project proposals are prepared by the Turkish Government and are subject to approval by the Commission, which is given only for projects that contribute to meeting the priorities of the Accession Partnership, as adopted by the Council of Ministers on 15 May 2003.

In addition, the Commission monitors very closely the progress achieved by Turkey in adopting the relevant ‘acquis’ in the area of culture.

(1)  OJ C 78 E, 27.3.2004, p. 771.