23/08/2018 (Agence Europe) – The countries that have most benefited from the European Year of Cultural Heritage funds are Italy, Belgium and France. The European Commission announced this news following a parliamentary question submitted by Liadh Ní Riada (GUE/NGL, Ireland). It was effectively confirmed that 77 requests for support were submitted through cooperation projects in the Creative Europe programme and 29 of them had obtained a positive response. The European Year of Cultural Heritage seeks to encourage the sharing and appreciation of Europe's cultural heritage, raise awareness about its history and common values, as well as strengthen the feeling of belonging to a common European area (see EUROPE 11722). It was launched in December 2017 during the Milan Culture Forum, following an agreement between the European Parliament and Council (see EUROPE 11921). (SPj)