92002E2634

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2634/02

by Brian Simpson (PSE) to the Commission

(18 September 2002)

Subject: Destruction of Europe's heritage by the Belgian Railway

Is the Commission aware that the Belgian National Railway (SNCB/NMBS) has destroyed an old and important railway locomotive class 44 number 44 201 built in 1906 even though its major parts were still in working order?

Can the Commission confirm that such destruction of Europe's railway heritage amounts to a deliberate act of vandalism and is to be condemned?

Answer given by Mrs Reding on behalf of the Commission

(24 October 2002)

Article 151 of the EC Treaty provides that the Community may take action to:

- encourage cultural cooperation between Member States;

- support and supplement Member States' actions (financially if necessary) in the following areas:

- improvement of the knowledge and dissemination of the culture and history of the European peoples;

- conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage of European significance;

- non-commercial cultural exchanges;

- artistic and literary creation, including in the audiovisual sector.

Article 151 also establishes that the Community is not responsible for harmonisation of the laws and regulations of the Member States(1) in the field of culture, for which the Member States alone continue to be fully responsible.

The question raised by the Honourable Member therefore does not fall within the competence of the Community but is a matter solely for the Member States.

(1) Article 151 of the EC Treaty, paragraph 5, first indent.