FRH attended the high-level conference entitled “Cultural heritage in Europe: linking past and future” on Tuesday, 26 June 2018, organised by the European Parliament and the Committee on Culture and Education, and framed within the context of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018.
The high-level event focused on the diversity and relevance of European culture and brought together cultural stakeholders, including policymakers, EU institutional representatives, civil society organisations, NGOs and political leaders.
It began with two introductory statements; one by the President of the European Parliament Mr Antonio Tajani, who expressed the opportunity for culture arising from this thematic year; and one by the President of the European Commission Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, who pointed towards the opportunities arising from the digital revolution and the need to engage younger generations. The conference included three panel sessions: Cultural Heritage and Europeanness; Preserving and Promoting Cultural Heritage; and Innovation and Economic Potential of Cultural Heritage. Participants were also pleasantly entertained with live music performances by the ‘European Union Youth Orchestra’ and the choir ‘Europa in Canto’.
The FRH initiative ‘Torch of Heritage and Culture’ was presented by FRH Council Secretary Lilian Grootswagers in the Parliament hemicycle after the second panel session, invited by MEP Silvia Costa. The presentation focused on the nature of the initiative, as well as an open call for participation.
The conference closed with an award ceremony, in which the Gold Medal of the University of Salamanca was given to the European Parliament. Conclusions and closing remarks were made by Ms Petra Kammerevert, Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament, Mr Luca Jahier, President of the European Economic and Social Committee, Mr Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament and Mr Xing Qu, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO.
FRH is delighted to have participated and hopes these productive discussions enhance the adequate positioning of cultural heritage, including religious heritage, on the EU agenda.
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