Programme of cultural exchanges with countries of Eastern Europe under the auspices of the Cultural Fund

Recommendation 200 (1959)

Author(s):

Parliamentary Assembly

Origin

(see Doc. 979, Report of the Cultural Committee). This Recommendation was adopted by the Assembly of its 9th Sitting, on 25th April 1959

The Assembly,

Having regard to the need to avoid as far as possible a final division of Europe;

Believing that cultural exchanges may help to preserve among the European peoples, whatever their political system, the consciousness of belonging to a common cultural tradition

Considering that a large number of scientists from Central and Eastern Europe wish to resume direct contact with the scientific world of Western Europe;

Considering, moreover, that many students from those countries would like to receive part of their training in Western universities;

Considering the wish expressed by intellectual and university circles in Eastern Europe for books and publications of Western European origin and having noted with interest the scheme launched in this connection by the Comité d'écrivains et d'éditeurs pour une entr'aide européenne;

Considering that considerable funds must be raised if this demand is to be met,

Recommends that the Committee of Ministers should request the Administrative Board of the Cultural Fund to include in its programme of future activities, to be undertaken when means are available, measures to develop cultural links with the countries of Eastern Europe, among which should be included:

1 scholarships enabling students from Eastern Europe to pursue part of their studies in Western universities;

2 financial assistance to the work of the Comité d'écrivains et d'éditeurs pour une entr'aide européenne in making available scholarly and scientific books and publications to intellectuals and scientists in Eastern European countries;

3 a grant in aid of the publication of the radio courses organised by the College of Europe, Bruges.