MACEDONIA: Seminar on Use of Funds from EC's Culture Programme 2007-2013

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"How to Create EU-Funded Projects that Support Inter-Cultural Cooperation in Europe" is the topic of a one-day seminar, which was held Wednesday in Skopje in organisation of the Secretariat for European Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and NORMARK project - financed by the Kingdom of Norway.

The seminar is dedicated to the Culture programme (2007-2013), which is funded by the European Commission with a budget of Euro 400 million in a bid to promote cultural diversity in Europe and common cultural heritage by enhancing trans-national cooperation amongst cultural operators from participating countries.
Vasko Naumovski, Vice PM responsible for European affairs, in his address noted that Macedonia had been already seeing the benefits from its participation in several various EU programs, including the Culture programme. Macedonia joined the programme two years ago when it signed a memorandum. According to him, the participation in this programme would affect the enhancement of cultural cooperation between cultural operators from all across Europe, while today's seminar should help institutions to successfully use opportunities allowed by the programme.

Culture in Macedonia is one of the most vital platforms for cooperation within the EU integration process. The implementation of the EU's Culture programme for 2007-2013, for which the Culture Ministry's Cultural-Contact Point is in charge, is one of Government's priorities, stated Deputy Culture Minister Dragan Nedeljkovic.
One of the realised projects in the frames of the Culture programme was the 14. Biennial for young artists from Europe and the Mediterranean, which took place last year in Skopje with the participation of over 700 artists from 48 countries.

Norwegian Ambassador to Skopje Kjetil Paulsen said the Kingdom of Norway was supporting Macedonia's EU integration and reforms. Although Norway is not a member of the EU, the country closely cooperates with the Union in every sphere, including culture, and has plenty of experience to share with Macedonia.

The seminar should allow exchange of information and experience between Norwegian and Macedonian cultural operators regarding the process of applying, approving and using funds from the Culture programme.

Source: www.vlada.mk