In a resolution adopted on Thursday 20 October, the European Parliament called on the European Commission to “explore the possibility of establishing or acting as a partner in a European emergency response and recovery mechanism dedicated specifically to the cultural, cultural heritage and creative ecosystems” to support these sectors hit hard by conflicts, as is currently the case in Ukraine.
“Russia’s war on Ukraine is an attempt to destroy the identity and culture of a sovereign nation with targeted acts of destruction of cultural heritage”, said the President of the Committee on Culture, Sabine Verheyen (EPP, German), in a plenary debate.
The European Parliament also stresses the urgency of “supporting Ukraine in documenting thoroughly all attacks on cultural heritage, especially those that constitute potential war crimes” and which are committed against cultural heritage protected by international conventions. It said the EU should physically protect monuments and artefacts and strengthen its support for the digitisation of Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
On behalf of the European Commission, Helena Dalli expressed the view that “no new mechanism is needed”, advocating optimising existing instruments. She noted that the flexibility of the Creative Europe programme allows for support to the Ukrainian cultural sector through mobility grants (see EUROPE 13039/22).
The Commissioner noted that for the first time with Ukraine, the European Civil Protection Mechanism had been activated for the protection of cultural heritage. “Italy, Germany and Norway have responded to provide equipment and sandbags to protect cultural assets”, she said. €2 million was allocated to the Aliph Foundation.
Since the beginning of Russia’s military aggression at the end of February, UNESCO has verified the damage caused to 192 sites in Ukraine: 81 religious sites, 13 museums, 37 historical buildings, 35 buildings for cultural activities, 17 monuments and 10 libraries.
See the European Parliament resolution: https://aeur.eu/f/3q1 (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)