Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2006-04-04-Speech-2-350"
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"en.20060404.25.2-350"2
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".
Mr President, the European Capital of Culture action is probably one of the most popular European initiatives. It has been appreciated by Member States and the general public alike since its birth 20 years ago in 1985, thanks to Melina Mercouri. The main idea is still to highlight the richness and diversity of European cultures and the features they share, as well as to promote greater mutual acquaintance between European citizens. This is also a topic very close to the previous one.
However, our experience has shown that some aspects of the current programme of cooperation need improvement, mainly in four areas: competition between cities, the role of the selection panel, the European dimension of the action, and the monitoring process. That is why last year the Commission adopted the proposal that is intended to replace the decision of 1999. That was a parliamentary request voiced by Mrs Prets and I promised at that time personally to introduce a new proposal.
The new system should encourage Member States to organise competition at national level between interested cities. A mixed selection panel should evaluate the applications as part of the national competition. That mixed panel will be made up of seven experts appointed by the institutions, together with six experts to be nominated by the Member State concerned. The Member State will then propose one city to the European institutions. As in the past, the Council will make the final decision concerning the designation of the city.
In addition, the proposal lays down streamlined and clearer criteria compared to those in the current decision. Following the designation of the European capitals, a monitoring process will be put in place to provide cities with support and advice in finalising the preparation of the programme and in particular with a view to ensuring that European added value is effectively reflected.
A prize will be awarded to the European Capitals of Culture that meet the criteria and objectives of that initiative. At the same time, I will propose a substantial increase in the Community contribution to such cities participating in the programme via the Culture 2007 programme.
I am very pleased that Parliament, the Council and Commission have worked in close cooperation in order to find compromise amendments suitable for all. This report is in line with the Commission’s approach and clearly improves our proposal, so I think that this new scheme creates a good balance between local and national interests and enhances the European dimension. I am sure that this will increase the transparency of the selection process and the visibility of the action.
I would like to confirm that the Commission welcomes this report and accepts all the compromise amendments. Consequently, I expect adoption of our amended proposal at first reading. I should really like to thank the Committee on Culture and Education and in particular the rapporteur Mrs Prets for her efficiency and effort."@en1
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