CULTURE 2000 - Proposal for an EU framework programme in support of culture The European Commission has adopted a proposal for the first EU framework programme in support of culture. The proposal involves rationalizing and strengthening the effectiveness of cultural cooperation actions within a single programme. The proposed programme would run for fo... The European Commission has adopted a proposal for the first EU framework programme in support of culture. The proposal involves rationalizing and strengthening the effectiveness of cultural cooperation actions within a single programme. The proposed programme would run for four years from 2000 to 2004, replacing and continuing the three present programmes, KALEIDOSCOPE, ARIANE and RAPHAEL. The aims of the cultural framework programme, an initiative of European Commissioner for culture, Mr. Marcelino Oreja, would include the enhancement and promotion of European culture, guaranteeing respect for, and the promotion of, cultural diversity, and economic and social development through cultural activities. The overall aim of the programme would be to strengthen cooperation between Europeans on a cultural level. The CULTURE 2000 programme would implement three types of action: - Cultural cooperation agreements; - Major actions of European and/or international significance; - Innovative actions to encourage new forms of creativity and cultural expression.
