The role of culture has been recognised as an important aspect in its international setting, as outlined in the joint communication by the European External Action Service and the European Commission. In this context, the communication proposes a strategic framework for deeper and more effective international cultural relations as well as a new model for cooperation for increased opportunities, synergies and socio-economic benefits. The European Committee of the Regions' Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC) adopted today the opinion 'Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations' by EPP-CoR Rapporteur Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Governor of the Region of Central Macedonia (EL).
"We welcome the Commission's Joint Communication as we consider it to be a valuable basis for the final strategy regarding the EU's international cultural relations. We also appreciate the fact that the Communication recognises culture and cultural heritage as instruments for local and regional development. This is why we also emphasise the inclusion of the European Committee of the Regions in the planning phase and regional and local authorities in the development and implementation of the strands of action and measures. We also call for specific mechanisms for operation and enforcement, measurement tools and objectives and deadlines", Rapporteur Tzitzikostas emphasised.
The European Union already funds international cultural projects and some of its own programmes, such as the Creative Europe programme, are also open to neighbourhood and enlargement countries. Enabling the dialogue between the young and the civil society is an important tool in countering extremism and violent radicalisation.
MEP Elmar Brok, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs stated that "Culture is an excellent tool for building bridges in international relations and the grass roots level inter-connectivity between local and regional actors on both sides often helps to foster partnerships and communication. Especially at tumultuous times like these, all levels of government are needed to work together on European diplomacy to ensure not only good cross-border cooperation but also our internal security.