Culture 2000 programme for the period 2000-2004

PURPOSE : to establish the first European Community Framework Programme in support of Culture 2000 (2000-2004). COMMUNITY MEASURE : Decision 508/2000/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Culture 2000 programme. CONTENT : the 'Culture 2000' programme shall contribute to the promotion of a cultural area common to the European peoples. In this context, it shall support cooperation between creative artists, cultural operators, private and public promoters, the activities of the cultural networks, and other partners as well as cultural institutions of the Member States and of the other participant States in order to attain the following objectives: - promotion of cultural dialogue and of mutual knowledge of the culture and history of the European peoples; - promotion of creativity and the transnational dissemination of culture and the movement of artists, creators and other cultural operators and professionals and their works, with a strong emphasis on young and socially disadvantaged people and on cultural diversity; - the highlighting of cultural diversity and the development of new forms of cultural expression; - sharing and highlighting, at European level, the common cultural heritage of European significance; disseminating know-how and promoting good practices concerning its conservation and safeguarding; - taking into account the role of culture in socioeconomic development; - the fostering of intercultural dialogue and mutual exchange between European and non-European cultures; - explicit recognition of culture as an economic factor and as a factor in social integration and citizenship; - improved access to and participation in culture in the European Union for as many citizens as possible. The Culture 2000 programme shall further an effective linkage with measures implemented under other Community policies which have cultural implications. The type of cultural actions eligible for support are: 1) specific innovative and/or experimental actions; 2) integrated actions covered by structured, multiannual cultural Cooperation Agreements; 3) special cultural events with a European and/or international dimension. Furthermore, the financial framework for the implementation of the Culture 2000 programme for the period 2000-2004 is hereby set at EUR 167 million. In addition, the Culture 2000 programme shall be open to participation by the countries of the European Economic Area and also to participation by Cyprus and the associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe and other countries which have included cooperation agreements containing cultural clauses. It also promotes with UNESCO or the Council of Europe. The programme should be coordinated with and complementary to other external relations. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 14.02.2000.�