HC Deb 07 April 1998 vol 310 c205W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much money is available from European Union budget lines for information projects on the European Union in applicant countries; and if he will deposit in the Library a list of those projects in operation. [37559]

Mr. Doug Henderson

The Essen European Council of December 1994 agreed on theneed among member states of the EU and the associated countries to have a better knowledge of each others' societies. Therefore expansion and deepening of information efforts are necessary.

Much of this work forms an integral part of the European Union's technical assistance programme for Central Europe (Phare).

In addition to these integrated activities, there is also a specific programme for 1998 of 6.6 mecu for an information strategy among the applicant countries. This is designed to stimulate greater interest and understanding of EU affairs among the general public in these countries.