Brussels, 11/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Union and its member states stand to gain a great deal by using the “soft power” of cultural diplomacy, with benefits for the economy through increased market access for European cultural and creative industries, strengthened cultural diversity and the wider sharing of European values. That is the conclusion of a report published on Tuesday 10 June by the European Commission following an initiative by the European Parliament. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said that a more strategic cultural approach is a priority for the European Union's external relations. She added that “soft power” in cultural diplomacy provided the EU and its member states with an opportunity in its relations with the rest of the world. “Cultural diplomacy gives us an opportunity to share our European culture and values such as human rights, diversity and equality with other countries”, said Androulla Vassiliou, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, adding: “It is also good for jobs and growth”.
Culture as a key component of external relations is one of the three strategic objectives of the European Agenda for Culture, a comprehensive policy framework, which has guided the joint work of the Commission and the member states since 2007. The recommendations on how to increase the impact of Europe's cultural diplomacy include: - better co-ordination and dedicated staff, such as cultural attachés, in EU delegations; - new methods of funding and fundraising, including co-funding and public-private partnerships; - pooling of resources of cultural organisations and member states, especially via their cultural institutes and attachés abroad; - removing barriers to mobility, for example by facilitating visa requirements for cultural operators; - connecting with young people, for example by expanding educational and cultural exchange programmes; - focusing on cities and towns to identify key partners; - facilitating exchange of experience and best practices between artists from different countries, cultural managers, journalists or writers; - empowering local cultural stakeholders by facilitating cooperation with cultural organisations and/or foundations and improving monitoring and evaluation of projects and cultural diplomacy policies.
The report and its recommendations will be discussed with representatives of the member states and European Parliament. In the immediate future, a discussion will take place at a senior officials' meeting on 17 June under the Greek Presidency and will continue under the Italian Presidency. A meeting with MEPs will take place on 25 June. (IL)