Commissioner Figel' told EurActiv that a budget for the European Year of Creativity and Innovation (EYCI) was not requested because it would be sufficient to use existing funds.
"There is no dedicated budget for EYCI because the year was originally introduced as an inter-institutional declaration, meaning it was a political proposal rather than a legal text."
"Parliament then changed its mind, asking for a legislative proposal aimed towards co-decision. No request for a dedicated budget for the year was made in the legislative proposal," Figel' told EurActiv.
However, he said the Commission has decided to devote funds available through calls for proposal to supporting the programme of events and projects set out to mark the year.
"Actually, with such orientation of the existing programmes, we can mobilise significantly bigger support than the usual years do with devoted budgets. We need to be more creative in the implementation of the year, not only inviting partners to be creative. The financial aspect of the year will not be a problem," Figel' said.
Speaking to journalists after the first EYCI flagship event, the commissioner also dismissed fears that the goal of promoting creativity could be lost in the push for greater innovation in business which has arisen since the economic crisis began.
"I don't think there is a shift away from creativity, but there is a very logical need to be attentive to the economic and social side of this situation, because people are losing their jobs and we need to respond."
"This is not a cyclical crisis – it's not the usual ups and downs of the business cycle. It's systemic and the response must be innovative. Those who are innovative will get out faster and stronger," Figel' said.
He said there is often a perceived dichotomy between creativity and innovation, and between business and culture, but the two should go hand in hand. He was optimistic that the EYCI will lead to permanent shifts towards a more innovative business and social culture.
Addressing the first EYCI flagship event in Brussels, the commissioner launched a new electronic platform to help share information on Commission-funded projects. Espace Virtuel d'Echange (EVE) already includes results from hundreds of projects funded by the EU executive's education and culture department. Co-ordinators of ongoing projects can use EVE to share information on their work.
"This will make it easier for project managers to learn from the successes – but also from the mistakes - of the past," Figel' said.
EVE will also include all the information project promoters need to establish networks, which is often the crucial factor in the design of successful and efficient projects.
