The European Parliament adopted without debate the report by Mrs Odile LEPERRE-VERRIER
(ARE, F) on the participation of Hungary in Community programmes in the field of culture.
Parliament adopted a number of changes which sought to stress the fundamental role of culture in
bringing peoples together and the positive effects of cultural activity on the economic and social
development and democratic functioning of applicant countries.
It also mentioned that cultural diversity in these countries needed to be respected, as did the
minorities of which they are composed. It likewise considered that these countries should be
permanently associated with the cultural programmes of the European Union irrespective of their
transitional stage.
Finally, from the point of view of the budget, it felt that the breakdown of appropriations to fund
this action should appear in section III, part B of the European Union budget. It also insisted on
greater transparency in debates concerning the various programme committees with which these
countries should be more closely associated.�