Brussels, 14/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - The committee on culture and education of the European Parliament returned the Greek Socialist Katerina Batzeli unopposed as its new president on Monday evening. She replaces Nikolaos Sifunakis, who entered the Greek Parliament in September. Ms Batzeli took the opportunity to list the priorities of the committee for the coming year. The organisation of the European Year of Multicultural Dialogue in 2008 and the new European Treaty, particularly the strategy of communication with the European citizens, will focus the majority of the committee's work. The MEP also stressed her desire to improve and develop new means of promoting education, training, research and innovation within the EU, within the debate on redefining the Lisbon priorities. On creativity and innovation, “our committee has already demonstrated its support and commitment for the innovative sectors such as the culture industry, which has a major positive impact on the economy of the EU, and will continue to do so. At the same time, we must propose new creative ideas ahead of the European Year of Creativity and Innovation in 2009”, said Ms Batzeli. (I.L.)