Brussels, 31/03/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 28 March, the European Commission adopted a proposal to debate in codecision the aim of declaring 2009 the European Year of Creativity and Innovation. Although the Commission does not propose that a specific budget should be allocated for the initiative, it does envisage member states appointing national coordinators who can cooperate through a small steering group at EU level. According to its proposal, activities in this initiative should primarily focus on creating an environment favourable to creativity and innovation and become a strong impetus for a long-term policy priority. It also believes that to achieve this end, emphasis should be put for instance on education across a wide range of subjects including mathematics, science and information etc. Artistic creation and new approaches in culture should also receive due attention. The European Year of Innovation and Creativity is proposed as a cross-cutting initiative covering not only education and culture, but also other policy domains such as enterprise, media, research, social and regional policy and rural development. It should include information and awareness-raising campaigns, promotion of good practices, debates, meetings, conferences and promote a wide variety of projects at regional, national and European level. (E.H.)