Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2017)385 - Amendment of Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 establishing the Creative Europe programme (2014 to 2020) - Main contents
Please note
This page contains a limited version of this dossier in the EU Monitor.
| dossier | COM(2017)385 - Amendment of Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 establishing the Creative Europe programme (2014 to 2020). |
|---|---|
| source | COM(2017)385  |
| date | 28-07-2017 |
1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL
The European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) was founded in 1976 following a Resolution of the European Parliament 1 and has been performing in the name of the European Union for the last 40 years. Its Honorary President is the President of the European Parliament and its honorary patrons are the Heads of State or Government of the Member States, headed by the President of the European Commission.
The EUYO is composed of young musicians from all Member States of the Union, who are selected according to demanding quality criteria. It unites very talented young musicians from Europe in a world-class European orchestra that transcends cultural boundaries.
Since its inception, the EUYO has played a unique role in promoting intercultural dialogue, mutual respect and understanding through culture. It has performed in major cities and festivals in Europe and around the world, in a variety of formal and informal settings using traditional and innovative formats and techniques for diverse audiences. Through its activities, it has acted as a cultural ambassador for the Union by showcasing the richness and diversity of European cultures and emerging talents.
As a group of outstanding young musicians working together to achieve a very high level of orchestral performance, the EUYO is a unique orchestra on the European scene, showcasing European music and talent to diverse audiences within the EU and beyond.
At a time when the EU is facing multiple challenges and a need to connect more with its citizens, the EUYO has an even more important role to play in conveying Europe’s core values, building bridges among people through classical music and reaching out to the younger generation in Europe by bringing together young classical musicians of diverse backgrounds through concerts and mentoring schemes.
EU funding is essential to the EUYO’s survival as a body promoting European values, diversity and young talent. Without such support, it could not engage in these empowering activities and young musicians would be deprived of a unique opportunity to perform internationally, build their careers and develop their talent further under the guidance of renowned conductors. Its 3 000 alumni, who all came through a rigorous annual audition process conducted in all Member States, have gone on to form a network of notable conductors, soloists, teachers and instrumentalists working with major orchestras around the world.
The Creative Europe programme and its predecessor funding schemes have supported the EUYO in various ways. In 2016, the EUYO received an operating grant under Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 2 as a body that pursues an aim of general EU interest or has an objective forming part of and supporting EU culture policy. In 2017, it will be financed in the same way.
In order to make sustainable provision for the EUYO’s continued activity and in the light of its specific status, strategic objectives and activities, the Commission proposes that it be recognised as a ‘body identified by a basic act’ within the meaning of Article 190(1)(d) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/2012 3 and that Article 13 i of Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 4 be amended accordingly.
2. LEGAL BASIS, SUBSIDIARITY AND PROPORTIONALITY
• Legal basis
This proposal amends Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 in respect of the Creative Europe culture subprogramme and is therefore based on the first indent of Article 167(5) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).
• Subsidiarity
Under Article 167 TFEU, the Union is to take action to support and supplement the action of the Member States. As the EUYO’s objectives and activities go beyond the sole interest and benefit of one or several Member States and it was created following a Resolution of the European Parliament, there is clear complementarity in establishing it as a body identified by a basic act within the meaning of Article 190(1)(d) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/2012. Its activities generate significant European added value.
• Proportionality
The proposed amendment is limited to what is strictly necessary to address the issue and does not go beyond what is necessary to achieve the objectives. It is limited to changes to include a reference to the EUYO in Article 13 i of Regulation No 1295/2013.
3. RESULTS OF EX POST ASSESSMENT, STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
In spring 2016, in the context of a public campaign (SaveEUYO) in support of the EUYO, which was facing financial problems threatening its very existence, a number of culture and music stakeholders publicly expressed support for it in press statements and contacts with the Commission. Member States (in particular at the Culture Ministers Council in May 2016) and Members of the European Parliament have supported the idea of finding a solution for its funding.
In the light of the limited scope of the proposed amendment, which has no significant economic, environmental and social impacts per se, no impact assessment or further consultations are needed.
4. BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS
The funding for the EUYO will come from the existing financial envelope of the Creative Europe programme and will not require additional resources from the EU budget. The attached 'legislative financial statement' shows the budgetary implications and the human and administrative resources required demonstrating the budgetary neutrality of this initiative.
5. OTHER ELEMENTS
In its proposal, the Commission proposes:
·to create a legally sound and transparent solution to ensure sustainable support for the EUYO, taking account of its specific features, by recognising it as a ‘body identified by a basic act’ within the meaning of Article 190 i (d) of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 1268/2012;
·and to add a new point (f) in Article 13 i of Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 accordingly.