The corresponding bill was voted by the Parliament in the second reading on June 13. The legislative initiative was developed by the Ministry of Culture in order to correct existing gaps in the current mechanisms of financial support, as well as taking into account the unsatisfactory condition of many monuments in the country.
Changes in the regulatory framework will allow providing co-financing to individuals or legal entities that own, manage or dispose of monuments. Financial support will cover both the development of necessary technical documentation (feasibility studies, intervention projects) and the execution of works on restoration, rehabilitation, conservation, strengthening or repair of monuments.
At the same time, the new provisions diversify the programs and categories of beneficiaries of the National Fund for Culture. In addition to cultural organizations and artists who already have access to funding for cultural projects, owners or administrators of monuments will also be able to apply for projects aimed at their protection and improvement.
According to the amendments, the types of activities to be financed will be expanded and include: scientific research, inventory, digitization, promotion of monuments, creation of protection zones, and prevention of their degradation.
The document also provides for the adjustment of the composition of the Executive Board of the Fund by including two additional members: a representative of the Institute of Cultural Heritage and a representative of a professional association in the field of monument protection.
Another innovation is the expansion of the sources of the National Fund for Culture, including through payments as compensation for damage to cultural heritage.
