Brussels, 22/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - At a public debate held at the Council on 17 May, culture ministers discussed culture as a non-binding means of action in the external relations of the EU, on the basis of a reflection document prepared by the Irish Presidency. The main objective of the debate was to achieve a consensus on continuing to develop a strategic approach to the role of culture in the EU's relations with third countries.
The Presidency of the Council of Ministers pointed out that the promotion of culture by the European Union and its member states in their relations with third countries is enshrined in the treaties. Culture is also an essential component of what is often called “soft power”, in other words using cooperation and cultural contact as instruments of foreign (external) policy. The European Commission added that this approach also applied to trade relations and the movement of goods and cultural services. In general, the ministers welcomed the report of November 2012 drafted by the expert group set up by the Commission, which lists the guiding principles and general recommendations for a strategic approach to culture in the case of relations between the EU and China. They agree on the principle of a common strategy to discuss culture in the external relations of their countries, stressing that this will help to develop cooperation. A number of member states also take the view that cultural cooperation should be developed on the basis of the UNESCO Convention on the protection and promotion of cultural diversity. Most of the ministers went on to stress the importance of promoting the fundamental values and cultural diversity of Europe, as the continent is currently all too often associated with the economic and financial crisis. Lastly, several member states felt that it was better to wait for the result of the “test” developed with China before entering into any new projects with other countries. (IL/transl.fl)