On 8 June, the European Commission published a joint communication “towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations”, as part of its plan to become a stronger global actor and contributor to sustainable growth, peace and mutual understanding.
The paper lays out the EU’s guiding principles (promoting peace, the rule of law, freedom of speech, fundamental rights and mutual understanding) in the field of cultural relations, before advancing three main cultural cooperation activities: to support culture as an engine for social and economic development; to promote culture and intercultural dialogue for peaceful inter-community relations; and to reinforce cooperation on cultural heritage.
As regards cultural diplomacy, the Commission also called for a more concerted, EU-wide approach through enhanced cooperation (between Member States and the EU) and the development of concrete projects, like the creation of European Culture Houses and the launch of a new two-year funding scheme to organise EU film festivals in third countries.
For more detailed information, download the full communication.
