EP - Cultural Diversity - MEPs urge adoption of a UN Convention

Christa PRETS (PES, A)Report on preserving and promoting cultural diversity: the role of the European regions and international organisations such as UNESCO and the Council of Europe
(2002/2269(INI))

Doc.:http://www2.europarl.eu.int/omk/sipade2?L=EN&OBJID=40464&LEVEL=3&MODE=SIP&NAV=X&LSTDOC=NA5-0477/2003

Procedure : Own-initiative
Debate : 13.01.2004
Vote: 14.01.2004

Vote

Parliament adopted by 369 votes in favour, 15 against with 68 abstentions, an own initiative report from Christa PRETS (PES, A) on the protection and promotion of cultural diversity. MEPs welcome the recent UNESCO decision (October 2003) to launch a process leading to an international convention on cultural diversity.

Parliament stipulates that the main objectives of the convention should be: the recognition of the special nature of cultural goods and services; the fixing in international law of the right for each state or group of states freely to define their own cultural policies; the reinforcing of policies for international cooperation and solidarity in the cultural field. The Intergovernmental Conference is invited to bring together the different references to diversity and cultural pluralism in the draft constitution. Regarding the negotiation and conclusion of agreements in the field of external trade in cultural and audio-visual services, the majority of MEPs believe that decisions in the Council should continue to be taken unanimously.

In the report, MEPs also reaffirm the importance of public services in maintaining cultural diversity. The Commission is asked to ensure that the growing concentration of media ownership does not lead to an oligopoly, which would be a threat to pluralism, cultural diversity and the freedom of choice for consumers. Parliament also reiterates its request for a directive on pluralism and media ownership.

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