In 2018, the European Year initiative will start afresh after two years without a theme. On Tuesday 30 August, the Commission put forward a proposal to designate 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage.
The choice of this theme confirms an article published by EUROPE last April (EUROPE 11535). It can be partly explained by the destruction of archaeological sites currently occurring in a number of conflict zones.
Tibor Navracsics, the commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, stated: "Our cultural heritage is more than the memory of our past; it is the key to our future. A European Year of Cultural Heritage will be an opportunity to raise awareness of the social and economic importance of cultural heritage and to promote European excellence in the sector".
The European year of events tackle specific themes in an effort to develop the debate and dialogue in and between countries. By choosing the theme of cultural heritage, the Commission is hoping to emphasise the major role played by cultural heritage in fostering a shared sense of history and identity. In a press release, the Commission explained "The EU's rich national, regional and local diversity is a unique catalyst for exchanges between people of all ages, social backgrounds and cultures". It is also a source of job creation in many different sectors such as tourism, construction and transport. The Commission quickly urged the European Parliament and Council to support the decision.
The previous European year event celebrated in 2015 focused on development. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)