91998E0307

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0307/98 by Luis Campoy Zueco (PPE) to the Commission (5 February 1998)

Subject: Aid for music

DG X has recently launched a support programme for culture which includes a section devoted to music. This initiative is to be welcomed. Can the Commission say whether there is any other cultural aid programme which might serve as a framework for grants for musical projects?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission (17 March 1998)

The Commission agrees with the Honourable Member that promoting musical creation and bringing it to the people are and must remain indispensable features of Community cultural action. The cultural framework programme 2000-2005 will pay special attention to music as specified in the conclusions of the Council of 18 December 1997 on music in Europe ((OJ C 1, 3.1.1998. )). Moreover, the Commission would recall that among recent work by the European institutions relating to music, Parliament held a hearing on 18 June 1997. On that occasion the Commission handed out, by way of information, a list showing how the Community had supported music and in addition to current Community programmes, a large number of Community programmes which in one way or another had supported music. It should be emphasised that these other programmes do not give priority to culture. This list showed that most Community funds for music came from the Structural Funds. By way of guidance, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) granted roughly ECU 38.33 million between 1989 and 1997. The Community allocated ECU 13.22 million to cultural events between 1991 and 1996. Under the Kaleidoscope programme (Decision No 719/96/EC); ((OJ L 99, 20.4.1996. )) funds have been given each year to cooperation projects in music. In addition, in 1998, the call for proposals entitled 'Community support for cultural development projects' ((OJ C 6, 10.1.1998. )) provides in Action1 that music will be given special emphasis. This information on the entire cultural sector can also be found in the 'First report on the consideration of cultural aspects in European Community action' ((COM(96) 160 final. )).