EUROPE – EU Council finally recognises Cultural Heritage

EUROPE – EU Council finally recognises Cultural Heritage

For the first time in the history of the EU – The Council of the European Union has adopted Conclusions on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe. This is a breakthrough for heritage recognition in Europe, of which religious heritage plays a major part. The excellent news was announced during a meeting of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council under Hellenic presidency on 21 May in Brussels.

These conclusions recognize cultural heritage (both tangible and intangible) as a unique and non-renewable resource and a major asset for Europe and for the entire European project. They emphasize the important role that cultural heritage plays in creating and enhancing social capital, as well as its important economic impact and key contribution to environmental sustainability. Cultural heritage is recognized to play an important role in achieving the Europe 2020 strategy goals for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

The conclusions call for more resources to be invested in cultural heritage and for the mainstreaming of cultural heritage in national and European policies. The European Commission is also invited to further support at EU level the networking of, and pooling of resources between, public and private sector heritage experts and practitioners as well as civil society organisations.

Read the Conclusions on the EU Council’s website here.

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