EU ministers will meet in Sofia on 28 February to discuss the importance of culture and of young people in strengthening the European project.
As all of Bulgaria prepares to celebrate Baba Marta, a tradition where good luck charms made of red and white threads are given, the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU plans to hold two workshops: the first asks delegations about national and/or European initiatives (and possible bridges with other sectors) to enhance culture as a factor for strengthening the sense of belonging to Europe. The second asks how the energy and potential of young people can be harnessed to preserve and develop European values through culture.
In a working paper, the Bulgarian Presidency says that a crisis of confidence has emerged in the wake of the financial crisis, the migration crisis and the UK referendum. It argues that it is here that the role of culture and cultural heritage is of inestimable value in that their impact and influence can be among the main drivers of the future development of the EU. Later in the document, it speaks of a European cultural area that would strengthen the sense of belonging to a single community with a rich and diverse culture underpinned by common values.
The results of the discussions will feed into the conclusions that will be presented at the formal meeting of culture ministers on 23 May 2018.
Bulgarian Presidency ideas. In its briefing note, the Presidency states that there exists numerous possibilities for strengthening the inclusive role of culture: encouraging the mobility of culture professionals, harmonising the status of artists, encouraging cooperation among cultural institutions, organising joint exhibitions and encouraging closer cooperation with other institutions (the Council of Europe and UNESCO). It adds that access to funding and alignment of funding models should be facilitated, an active policy to support research in the area of cultural tourism should be promoted (as should support for research in the area of cultural heritage) and coordination among the policies that tackle the illegal trade in cultural goods must be ensured.
Culture in Asia-Europe relations. On 1 and 2 March, Sofia will host the eighth Asia-Europe meeting of culture ministers (ASEM CMM8) the theme of which is “The role of culture in external relations: the road forward”.
Ministers will discuss how culture contributes to strengthening of countries’ external relations and the work of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) in the area of culture over the period from 2016 to 2018. Parallel workshops will address: supporting culture as a driving force for sustainable social and economic development; promoting culture and intercultural dialogue for peaceful inter-community relations; and enhancing the cooperation within the area of cultural heritage, including the fight against and the prevention of the illegal trafficking of cultural property. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)