The Kaleidoscope, Ariane and Raphael cultural programmes set out, respectively, in Decision No 719/96/EC(6), in Decision No 2085/97/EC(7) and in Decision No 2228/97/EC(8) of the European Parliament and of the Council marked the first positive stage in the implementation of Community action on culture; however, the Community's cultural endeavours should be simplified and reinforced on the basis of the results of the evaluation and achievements of the abovementioned programmes.
