ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the development of cultural policy is the original Treaty of Rome. In 1977 the Commission finally produced its first communication on culture, entitled ‘Community action in the Cultural Sector’. It began by identifying the scope of the phrase ‘cultural sector’ as including those persons and undertakings involved in the production and distribution of cultural goods and services. In the area of harmonization of taxation, the Commission advocated significant action being taken by the Member States. The Ministers of Culture meeting within the Council in November 1992 reached a series of conclusions on the Communication. In the attempt to create an ‘ever closer union of the peoples of Europe’ the original Treaty of Rome contained no provisions allowing for Community action in the field of culture. The Commission recognizes that the Community should have close and harmonious relations with the various international organizations involved in this area, such as the Council of Europe.
