The European Council of Artists representing interdisciplinary artists´ councils and artists´ associations in 23 European countries on the occasion of its Bratislava board meeting 21st and 22nd June 2003 discussed the draft of the European constitution.
ECA welcomes Article III-176 Section 3, Culture, the former Article 151 of the Amsterdam Treaty, as an attempt to respect diverse culture and art, to secure public support where necessary and to promote cultural exchange in Europe. We regret, however, that the wording is very inprecise and weak, speaking of „aiming at safeguarding“, „ taking into account“, „respecting“, where „guaranteeing“, „safeguarding“ etc. would be appropriate.
For various reasons we have to object to the proposed Article 24:
First of all ECA has always been dissatisfied with the lack of a democratic public debate on trade agreements like GATS and fears that these structural deficiencies would turn out even worse as soon as the member states are excluded from the decision making process.
There is no European cultural policy of any weight that might counterbalance the economic pressure and lobbying to be expected.
Therefore we have every reason to believe that audiovisual and cultural services might be liberalised in the course of WTO negotiations, if a deal can be made by bringing in new offers, although the member states have clearly stated their objections.
ECA supports the amendment of Article 24 by convention members Voggenhuber, Lichtenberger and colleagues strengthening the position of the EP and insisting on a common accord of member states as a basis for Communiy decisions.
The concept of cultural diversity according to the INCP- and INCD-drafts is the ideal framework to keep culture and art out of the general trade negotiations both on a world scale and on a European level.
Jorge Bosso, president Ludwig Laher, vice pres. Tomo Vran, vice pres.