B3-0159, 0177, 0179 and 0205/94

Resolution on the fire at the Gran Teatro del Liceo (Barcelona)

The European Parliament,

A.shocked at the fire at the Gran Teatro del Liceo (Barcelona), an opera house of recognized international prestige,

B.having regard to the historic and artistic significance of the Gran Teatro del Liceo as a reflection of the highest values of Catalan society and as a meeting point for major artists and musical movements in Europe,

C.whereas the destruction of this theatre is doubly to be lamented from the viewpoint of European culture, firstly because the destruction of a magnificent building with its precious interior is an irreparable loss for the European architectural heritage, and secondly because the fire now makes it impossible to continue the invaluable and irreplaceable musical activity associated with this building,

D.whereas the Community programme for 1994 concerning aid for projects for the preservation of the European architectural heritage is specifically dedicated to the restoration of buildings devoted to the performing arts having a historic, architectural, artistic and social value of European importance,

1.Calls on the Commission to provide immediate symbolic aid and, in addition, to make a quantitatively adequate contribution to the reconstruction of the Liceo, adding its support to the substantial joint effort of the citizens;

2.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the Spanish Government, the regional government of Catalonia, the Barcelona Provincial Council and the Barcelona City Council.