The European Council of Artists (ECA) during its Conference in El Escorial, Spain, 18–19 November 2000, discussed the Draft Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Evaluating the results of the debates the Executive Committee of ECA has released the following statement of concern:
ECA agrees that the Draft Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union might play an important role in the promotion and protection of values like human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity as well as principles of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. We, as artists and creators, note with satisfaction that the Charter in a number of articles (11,13,14,17,22,25) speaks about culture, cultural rights and cultural life. Although we fully agree with the intention to prepare a concise and convincing, easily accessable document, we must express our disappointment that there was so little involvement of the respective public intended in the developing process by the promoters of the Charter.
Additionally ECA representing professional artists’ organisations of 25 European countries feels obliged to suggest a further amelioration of the text that aims at precision and, as a consequence, at implementing verbal instruments to effectively safeguard rights concerning arts and cultural diversity that are only vaguely defined now.
We do believe that Article 11, 2 should expressis verbis guarantee (instead of respect) the freedom of the media and their pluralism. We understand ‘pluralism’ in the sense of opinions and ideas emphasizing a functioning public service. Article 17 should guarantee (instead of protect) intellectual property rights, Article 22 should include the protection (instead of respect) of cultural diversity. Article 13 in the draft should also mention the right to international contacts and co-operation in the scientific and cultural fields.
ECA trusts in the flexibility of the European Union to be willing to improve the draft in order to achieve its goal in the best way possible. Since we have dealt with the matter intensely we have always been prepared to be part of the process and are looking forward to being invited to contribute by thoroughly explaining our suggestions and giving reasons for the urgent necessity to be more specific on the articles mentioned above.
Copenhagen, January 2001
Jorge Bosso, Spain, President
Ludwig Laher, Austria, Vice President
Tomo Vran, Slovenia, Vice President
Torben Heron, Denmark
Mihail Cr. Lotreanu, Romania
Àgnes Péter, Hungary
Andreas Schmid, Germany