Aid for the replacement of instruments at the EAMCN

Subject: Aid for the replacement of instruments at the EAMCN

The Escola Artística de Música do Conservatório Nacional (EAMCN), or Music School of the National Conservatory, is a prestigious public music college in Portugal which, for many years, has not been receiving funding for investment. Not only does the school building need refurbishing, but the musical instruments also need replacing, as pianos and harps, etc. have not been replaced for many years and, while instruments last a long time, they do not last forever. This investment to replace musical instruments is needed urgently so that the institution can continue to provide its students with high- quality specialist musical training and its teachers with decent working conditions.

Those in charge of the Conservatory have recently said they hope that EU funds – whether from the Recovery and Resilience Plan, structural funds or any other funds – could be used to meet these investment needs.

What EU funds could be used to replace musical instruments at the EAMCN, thereby supporting culture, the arts and education?

Answer given by Ms Gabriel on behalf of the European Commission

(18 October 2021)

The Commission recognises the importance of music for Europe’s economic, social and cultural development. Creative Europe is the EU programme dedicated to supporting the cultural and creative sector.

The programme is implemented through grants that are awarded on the basis of open calls for proposals. Proposals are expected to prove a strong European added value, and cooperation actions must include partnerships between at least three cultural or creative organisations, from at least three participating countries. Replacing musical instruments is not one of the actions funded by the Creative Europe programme.

The responsibility for developing and implementing a recovery and resilience plan (RPP) under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) lies with each Member State. Besides addressing the challenges identified in the country-specific recommendations addressed by the Council to the Member States in 2019 and 2020, they should also focus on the green and digital transition as well as generating a long-lasting impact.

Cultural activities and institutions may be eligible to receive RRF funding, however, each Member State has to decide whether to include the cultural sector in its RRP.

While the EU could potentially support the School’s infrastructure and equipment through the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF), the ESIF falls under ‘shared management’ between the EU and the Member States.

The EU entrusts management of the funds to the Member States, in this case Portugal, who then allocates these funds to end recipients. The Commission therefore recommends the Honourable Member to contact directly the Portuguese authorities responsible for the management of ESIF (1).

⋅1∙ Agência para o Desenvolvimento e Coesão, I.P.

M: Avenida 5 de Outubro, no. 153, 1050-053 Lisboa

T: +351 218 814 000

E: [email protected]

W: www.adcoesao.pt