Eureka EU News has reported preliminary findings of the evaluation by EFAH (European Forum for the Arts and Heritage) of the Culture 2000 framework. The object of the evaluation was to collect current information with regard to the construction of the new framework programme, and also to urge the Commission to make its own evaluation exercise more transparent as well as to take into account the needs and opinions of the cultural operators. The report also pulls together a comprehensive bibliography of publications relative to Culture 2000 over the past four years. The report’s broad recommendations are:

The programme must ensure, as a priority, that it receives adequate funds and competent staffing to implement its actions

There is a clear need to avoid delays in publication of calls for tender, in notification of selected projects and in prompt payment

There is a need to reform the role and function of the board of experts charged with the selection of projects

There is a need for improved dialogue and co-operation between the European institutions and cultural operators

The role of cultural networks and platforms for cultural co-operation should be extended and strengthened

A European Cultural Observatory should be set up to monitor co-operation, exchange information and co-ordinate policy between Member States and the Community

Valuable lessons about the design, evaluation, methodology, management and transparency must be learned and absorbed if any new programme is to be user-friendly and effective The full report can be downloaded from the EFAH website.