Division 1.3 Special actions

The Programme shall also support special actions. These actions shall be special in that they should be substantial in scale and scope, strike a significant chord with the peoples of Europe and help to increase their sense of belonging to the same community, make them aware of the cultural diversity of Member States, and also contribute to intercultural and international dialogue. They must meet at least two of the three specific objectives set out in Article 3.

These special actions shall also help to raise the visibility of Community cultural action both within and beyond the European Union. They shall also contribute to raising global awareness of the wealth and diversity of European culture.

Significant support will be given to the ‘European Capitals of Culture’ in order to help implement activities stressing European visibility and trans-European cultural cooperation.

Special actions may also include the awarding of prizes, in so far as they highlight artists, works or cultural or artistic achievements, make them known beyond national borders and thus encourage mobility and exchanges.

Support may also be given in this context to cooperation with third countries and international organisations, as set out in Article 5(2) and Article 6.

The examples given above do not constitute an exhaustive list of measures likely to be supported under this sub-strand of the Programme.

The selection procedures for special actions will depend on the action in question. Financing will be granted following calls for proposals and invitations to tender, except in the cases referred to in Articles 54 and 168 of the Financial Regulation. Account will also be taken of the extent to which each action meets the general objective and specific objectives of the Programme, as set out in Article 3 of this Decision.

Community support may not exceed 60 % of the project budget.

By way of illustration, approximately 16 % of the total budget allocated to the Programme shall be devoted to this type of support.