Culture 2000 programme and audiovisual policies need more focus, says Commission 

During their Council meeting on 24 November, ministers in charge of culture had an exchange of views on the Commission's mid-term reports on the application of the

Culture 2000 and Media programmes. During the debate on the Culture 2000 programme, ministers agreed to:

• pursue closer cultural co-operation within Europe ( particularly through the mobility of artists and pieces of art) and with third countries;
• to facilitate new Member States' access to the programme through specific actions.

Viviane Reding, Culture Commissioner, said that the Commission's mid-term report highlights the need for the Culture programme to focus on a limited number of actions in the coming years.

As regards the Media and Media training programmes, the mid-term report shows how a lack of coherence has undermined EU audiovisual policies. Ministers agreed that it should be made easier for new Member States to access funding and that digital technology should be included in the programme through pilot projects.

During the first quarter of 2004, the Commission will present a draft proposal for the 2007-2013 Culture and Media programmes.