Strasbourg, 28/10/2005 (Agence Europe) - With the adoption on Tuesday at first reading (co-decision) of the report by Vasco Graça-Moura (EPP-ED, Portugal) on the Culture 2007 programme, the European Parliament called for a massive increase in means earmarked for cultural exchanges and the safeguarding of heritage of “European importance”, and approves the aims of the European Commission (transnational mobility of those working in the cultural sector in the EU, transnational circulation of works of art and cultural/artistic products, and intercultural dialogue). MEPs expect the programme to: - heighten the feeling of European citizenship and the awareness of common cultural heritage, encourage mutual understanding and tolerance within the Union, develop cultural awareness and strengthen the synergy between education and culture, and promote cultural and linguistic diversity. Some amendments adopted in plenary aim to simplify selection criteria and rules governing subsidies in order to stimulate the participation of small and medium-sized projects in European programmes. Thus, a cooperation network concerning multiannual projects should include the participation of at least six operators from four countries (as opposed to six in the Commission's proposal). Parliament believes Community support should not exceed 70% of the total budget although the Commission recommends a 50% ceiling. Commissioner Figel said in plenary that he could not accept these two amendments. Parliament suggests simplifying the name of the programme by calling it “Culture”, and calls for a budget increase for 2007-2013 (EUR 600 million) in the Commission proposal, depending on the decisions to be taken on the next financial perspectives. “A more determined and better funded cultural policy is needed if we are to achieve the Lisbon Strategy”, Mr Graça-Moura commented. Commissioner Figel welcomed the MEPs' proposal to increase the budgetary allocation and also agrees that the programme should cover European cultural heritage in a broader sense, integrating different values and ways of life.