Doc. 9087
7 May 2001

Harmonisation of the globalisation process and maintenance of regional values

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mr Surjan and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1. The new democracies of central and eastern Europe are benefiting from direct investments into the region linked to globalisation. At the same time, global capital is making profit by investing in local industries, which require reorganisation. Local skilled manpower and knowledge are helping them to achieve this goal.

2. When investing in central and eastern Europe, this global capital encounters regional production cultures and traditions, the development and maintenance of which have also been in its own interest. One positive example has been the development of the Czech car-industry using German technologies.

3. Nevertheless, when these traditions and cultures have not been taken into consideration, serious tensions have occurred. This is currently the case in the European biscuit production.

4. Central and east European countries have experienced painful economic and social transition. This process has also had a strong social impact. Therefore, the Council of Europe has a particular responsibility in promoting the protection and development of national and regional values in this transformation process.

5. In particular, the notion of culture also includes trade marks and brands representing traditions that have existed for decades or centuries.

6. The Parliamentary Assembly should therefore prepare a report on how industrial cultural traditions can be maintained and developed in the globalised world within the common European heritage.

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed : ¹

Surjan, Hungary, EPP/CD

Bartoš, Czech Republic, EDG

Belohorska, Slovakia, EDG

Gürkan, Turkey, SOC

Hancock, United Kingdom, LDR

Kurucsai, Hungary, EPP/CD

Nagy, Hungary, EPP/CD

Položhani, "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia', EDG

Szinyei, Hungary, EPP/CD

Vahtre, Estonia, EPP/CD

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group