Brussels, 23/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Irish Presidency is coinciding with the start of 2004 as the European Year of Education Through Sport (to be officially launched in Dublin on 29/30 January). In its programme, the Irish Presidency says it will seek to promote the many aims and objectives of the Year, including the application of the values conveyed through sport to developing knowledge and skills and encouraging the exchange of good practice on the role sport can play in education systems in promoting social inclusion.
The Presidency 'recognises the importance of placing culture at the heart of European integration and is committed to fostering debate on the shape of future European cultural actions… One of the great strengths of the Union is its cultural diversity and this is an aspect that will be further enhanced with enlargement.' 'Key actions will include commencing discussion of the Commission's proposals for a psot-2006 EU support programme and advancing the review of the Television without Frontiers Directive (see Europe of 26 November, p.10, on discussions at the most recent Culture Council on the 2007-2011 cultural programme and the future of broadcasting). A broadcasting mineral seminar will be held in Dublin on 1/3 March 2004.