Brussels, 28/06/2005 (Agence Europe) - “We have been able to prove that things are not at a standstill in Europe (…), there is no weariness (…) but the determination to continue with its construction”. It is in these terms that Octavie Modert, Luxembourg's Secretary of State for Culture, opened the press conference that brought the Informal Culture Council to a close on 27 June in Luxembourg. The culture ministers of the acceding countries (Bulgaria and Romania) and the candidate countries (Croatia and Turkey), as well as the Canadian (including from Quebec) and Norwegian delegations and Commissioner Figel took part in the work.
The first working session was on architectural policies in Europe in the context of the seminar organised the same day by the European Forum for Architectural Policies, an informal European forum that meets twice a year to take stock of the programmes set in place in EU countries. “The natural and built up environment is a component of the cultural identity of our country and of the whole of Europe”, Ms Modert said, stressing the “deep and lasting social and economic changes” that are engendered by quality architectural projects, and placing emphasis on the importance of school buildings and hospital infrastructure. Vandalism and delinquency tend to decline in areas where housing is well thought out, she commented. Ministers acknowledged the importance of creating an environment that is good to live in and that meets people's different needs. The second working session took stock of four seminars organised under Luxembourg Presidency: - 2nd European Culture Forum: Rediscovering Europe; - Tourism and Culture: the challenge of European integration; - A European Policy in favour of Cultural Industries; and Preserving and digitalising cultural heritage: towards a new plan of action. On the subject of tourism, Ms Modert pointed out: “We hope to continue encouraging reflection on the cultural and economic developments of this key sector for European integration, as what better way is there to get to know each other in mutual respect than by visiting one another's country?” Octavie Modert also presented a joint initiative by France and Luxembourg aimed at setting up a “cultural itinerary” of the founding fathers, an initiative that was met with approval in the four other founding countries. “This is a particularly useful initiative at a time when European citizens hope to return, together, to the origins and history of European integration”, the minister commented. Speaking of the culture industry, Ms Modert said it was a “spearhead for the economy of the future”. On the subject of digitalising cultural heritage, Ms Modert, moreover, welcomed the launching of a new programme for safeguarding culture through digital means. Commissioner Figel presented the European Commission's proposal for a new programme, “European Culture Capitals”, intended to integrate the new Member States in the selection process and make this process more effective. He also welcomed the fact that third countries were taking part in the discussions, seeing this as a sign that culture knows no boundaries. It was Ms Modert's view that culture brings a better understanding and knowledge of others. “What is important to us, above all, (…) is mutual understanding and dialogue between different populations and civilisations. This dialogue is a very important element of democracy. People are not always aware of the role that culture plays in bringing peoples closing together”, she concluded.