# Official Journal C 501I/2021

| | ISSN 1977-091X |
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| Official Journal
  of the European Union | C 501I |
| | |
| English edition | Information and Notices | Volume 6413 December 2021 |

ISSN 1977-091X

Official Journal

of the European Union

C 501I

English edition

Information and Notices

Volume 6413 December 2021

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| Contents | page |
| --- | --- |
| | IV   Notices |
| | NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES |
| | Council |
| 2021/C 501 I/01 | Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on lifelong physical activity | 1 |
| 2021/C 501 I/02 | Council conclusions on increasing the availability and competitiveness of European audiovisual and media content | 7 |
| 2021/C 501 I/03 | Council conclusions on culture, high-quality architecture and built environment as key elements of the New European Bauhaus initiative | 13 |
| 2021/C 501 I/04 | Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on safeguarding and creating civic spaces for young people that facilitate meaningful youth participation | 19 |

Contents

page

IV   Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

2021/C 501 I/01

Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on lifelong physical activity

1

2021/C 501 I/02

Council conclusions on increasing the availability and competitiveness of European audiovisual and media content

7

2021/C 501 I/03

Council conclusions on culture, high-quality architecture and built environment as key elements of the New European Bauhaus initiative

13

2021/C 501 I/04

Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on safeguarding and creating civic spaces for young people that facilitate meaningful youth participation

19

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EN

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IV Notices

NOTICES FROM EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTIONS, BODIES, OFFICES AND AGENCIES

Council

| 13.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CI 501/1 |
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13.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CI 501/1

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Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on lifelong physical activity

(2021/C 501 I/01)

THE COUNCIL AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL

RECALLING THAT:

| 1. | The Council Recommendation of 26 November 2013 on promoting health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) across sectors recommends, inter alia, that Member States ‘work towards effective HEPA policies by developing a cross-sectoral approach involving policy areas including sport, health, education, environment and transport, as well as other relevant sectors and in accordance with national specificities’. |
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1.

The Council Recommendation of 26 November 2013 on promoting health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) across sectors recommends, inter alia, that Member States ‘work towards effective HEPA policies by developing a cross-sectoral approach involving policy areas including sport, health, education, environment and transport, as well as other relevant sectors and in accordance with national specificities’.

| 2. | The Council conclusions of 15 December 2015 on the promotion of motor skills, physical and sport activities for children call on Member States to ‘consider implementing cross-sectoral policies, with the education, youth and health sectors among others, to promote physical activities and motor skills in early childhood’. |
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2.

The Council conclusions of 15 December 2015 on the promotion of motor skills, physical and sport activities for children call on Member States to ‘consider implementing cross-sectoral policies, with the education, youth and health sectors among others, to promote physical activities and motor skills in early childhood’.

| 3. | The Council conclusions of 29 June 2020 on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery of the sport sector call on Member States to ‘promote cross-sectoral cooperation and consultations in areas that are relevant to sport at all levels, including with the sport movement, the sport-related business sector and other relevant stakeholders’. |
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3.

The Council conclusions of 29 June 2020 on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery of the sport sector call on Member States to ‘promote cross-sectoral cooperation and consultations in areas that are relevant to sport at all levels, including with the sport movement, the sport-related business sector and other relevant stakeholders’.

| 4. | The Council Conclusions of 4 December 2020 on promoting cross-sectoral cooperation for the benefit of sport and physical activity in society highlight that ‘cross-sectoral cooperation can play an important role to create or optimise the conditions for an active and healthy lifestyle’. |
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4.

The Council Conclusions of 4 December 2020 on promoting cross-sectoral cooperation for the benefit of sport and physical activity in society highlight that ‘cross-sectoral cooperation can play an important role to create or optimise the conditions for an active and healthy lifestyle’.

| 5. | The European Union Work Plan for Sport 2021-2024 recognises that promoting physical activity is a key topic within the priority area ‘Promotion of participation in sport and health-enhancing physical activity’. |
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5.

The European Union Work Plan for Sport 2021-2024 recognises that promoting physical activity is a key topic within the priority area ‘Promotion of participation in sport and health-enhancing physical activity’.

ACKNOWLEDGING THAT:

| 6. | Physical inactivity is causing extensive health problems in today’s lifestyle. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has ranked physical inactivity among the leading risk factors for mortality (1). The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasised the health risks of physical inactivity. |
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6.

Physical inactivity is causing extensive health problems in today’s lifestyle. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has ranked physical inactivity among the leading risk factors for mortality (1). The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasised the health risks of physical inactivity.

| 7. | Europe is facing a significant increase in the already noticeable trends of physical inactivity of its entire population, especially among younger people. European policies encourage Member States to promote and monitor physical activity; however, implementation should be further strengthened (2). |
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7.

Europe is facing a significant increase in the already noticeable trends of physical inactivity of its entire population, especially among younger people. European policies encourage Member States to promote and monitor physical activity; however, implementation should be further strengthened (2).

| 8. | Other European and international documents (3) have also identified the critical importance of monitoring the level of physical activity as part of a holistic approach to HEPA. Monitoring of physical fitness subject to compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (4) can provide a reliable evidence-based outcome of physical activity as well as draw attention to any possible health risk behaviour. |
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8.

Other European and international documents (3) have also identified the critical importance of monitoring the level of physical activity as part of a holistic approach to HEPA. Monitoring of physical fitness subject to compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (4) can provide a reliable evidence-based outcome of physical activity as well as draw attention to any possible health risk behaviour.

RECOGNISING THAT:

| 9. | Physical activity is one of the most important and effective factors in maintaining physical and mental health throughout life. It also has a positive impact on the prevention of certain health conditions and diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, etc. |
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9.

Physical activity is one of the most important and effective factors in maintaining physical and mental health throughout life. It also has a positive impact on the prevention of certain health conditions and diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, etc.

| 10. | Physical fitness monitoring systems can assess the scale of the physical inactivity problem and evaluate the effectiveness of any policies, action plans or initiatives adopted at local, national or EU level. |
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10.

Physical fitness monitoring systems can assess the scale of the physical inactivity problem and evaluate the effectiveness of any policies, action plans or initiatives adopted at local, national or EU level.

| 11. | The concept of lifelong physical activity should be based on regular physical activity throughout one’s life that can be supported by evidence-based lifelong monitoring of physical fitness to maintain the health of each individual throughout life. |
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11.

The concept of lifelong physical activity should be based on regular physical activity throughout one’s life that can be supported by evidence-based lifelong monitoring of physical fitness to maintain the health of each individual throughout life.

EMPHASISING THAT:

| 12. | Regular and sufficient (5) physical activity is important for the healthy development of children and adolescents, both physically and with regard to their mental and social abilities. |
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12.

Regular and sufficient (5) physical activity is important for the healthy development of children and adolescents, both physically and with regard to their mental and social abilities.

| 13. | In the context of an active and healthy lifestyle of adults, regular physical activity is particularly important, even if an individual does not start exercising until adulthood. Regular physical activity is also an important factor in preventing a decrease in performance levels at work. Given that adults spend a third of their lives at work, the work environment is extremely important in promoting employees’ physical activity. |
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13.

In the context of an active and healthy lifestyle of adults, regular physical activity is particularly important, even if an individual does not start exercising until adulthood. Regular physical activity is also an important factor in preventing a decrease in performance levels at work. Given that adults spend a third of their lives at work, the work environment is extremely important in promoting employees’ physical activity.

| 14. | Disadvantaged groups (6) across all age groups are often insufficiently physically active due to fewer opportunities and limited access, which puts them at a higher risk of developing certain diseases. We should provide these target groups with equal opportunities, enabling them to participate in tailored regular physical activity and sport programmes. |
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14.

Disadvantaged groups (6) across all age groups are often insufficiently physically active due to fewer opportunities and limited access, which puts them at a higher risk of developing certain diseases. We should provide these target groups with equal opportunities, enabling them to participate in tailored regular physical activity and sport programmes.

| 15. | In accordance with the concept of lifelong physical activity, the long-term impact should be more physically active European citizens with the aim to improve the physical and mental health, and to reduce pressure on our health systems and health-related costs (7). Wherever possible, policy agendas should be coordinated and cross-sectoral cooperation encouraged in order to achieve the best possible outcome. |
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15.

In accordance with the concept of lifelong physical activity, the long-term impact should be more physically active European citizens with the aim to improve the physical and mental health, and to reduce pressure on our health systems and health-related costs (7). Wherever possible, policy agendas should be coordinated and cross-sectoral cooperation encouraged in order to achieve the best possible outcome.

CONSIDERING THAT:

| 16. | Healthy lifestyle: in many countries, public health and sport policies aim first and foremost to encourage their citizens to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle throughout their lifetime and to take part in physical activity and sport (8). Several European project initiatives also aim to embed physical activity into the healthcare curriculum to ensure better advice and support for physical activity in the clinical setting (9). |
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16.

Healthy lifestyle: in many countries, public health and sport policies aim first and foremost to encourage their citizens to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle throughout their lifetime and to take part in physical activity and sport (8). Several European project initiatives also aim to embed physical activity into the healthcare curriculum to ensure better advice and support for physical activity in the clinical setting (9).

| 17. | Monitoring: some countries monitor changes in the physical fitness of their population and may also provide feedback to each person on a voluntary basis on the development of their fitness levels. Certain countries have systems in place with which they can annually monitor and evaluate the physical performance of schoolchildren and young people (10). |
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17.

Monitoring: some countries monitor changes in the physical fitness of their population and may also provide feedback to each person on a voluntary basis on the development of their fitness levels. Certain countries have systems in place with which they can annually monitor and evaluate the physical performance of schoolchildren and young people (10).

| 18. | Cross-sectoral cooperation: the promotion and monitoring of physical activity should be addressed in a cross-sectoral manner in compliance with the GDPR. Not only sports-related institutions play a role in promoting physical activity and monitoring of physical fitness, but also institutions related to public health, infrastructure, education and training, the work environment, youth, etc. It should therefore involve the whole of government, civil society, sport clubs, local communities, etc. |
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18.

Cross-sectoral cooperation: the promotion and monitoring of physical activity should be addressed in a cross-sectoral manner in compliance with the GDPR. Not only sports-related institutions play a role in promoting physical activity and monitoring of physical fitness, but also institutions related to public health, infrastructure, education and training, the work environment, youth, etc. It should therefore involve the whole of government, civil society, sport clubs, local communities, etc.

| 19. | Behavioural change is a matter of long-term development and following the physical activity guidelines (11) which call for integrating sufficient physical activity into everyday life. This means that policy should also be implemented in an integrated manner and focus on different times of the day and different contexts of daily life. |
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19.

Behavioural change is a matter of long-term development and following the physical activity guidelines (11) which call for integrating sufficient physical activity into everyday life. This means that policy should also be implemented in an integrated manner and focus on different times of the day and different contexts of daily life.

| 20. | Media: the media can play a role in promoting social responsibility, sporting activities and campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of physical activity and reducing inactivity. |
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20.

Media: the media can play a role in promoting social responsibility, sporting activities and campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the benefits of physical activity and reducing inactivity.

| 21. | European initiatives and projects: various European projects and initiatives contribute to the development of policies aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle and to the development of monitoring systems for physical fitness to provide comparable, valid and reliable data across EU Member States. This can help policy-makers to enable lifelong physical activity and achieve a greater impact on health. |
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21.

European initiatives and projects: various European projects and initiatives contribute to the development of policies aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle and to the development of monitoring systems for physical fitness to provide comparable, valid and reliable data across EU Member States. This can help policy-makers to enable lifelong physical activity and achieve a greater impact on health.

INVITE THE MEMBER STATES, IN LINE WITH THE SUBSIDIARITY PRINCIPLE AND AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVELS, TO:

| 22. | Continue promoting and encouraging the lifelong physical activity of the population, including disadvantaged groups, focusing on reducing physical inactivity through sharing best practices, for example, the use of mobile and wireless technologies as well as the media and other communication channels. |
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22.

Continue promoting and encouraging the lifelong physical activity of the population, including disadvantaged groups, focusing on reducing physical inactivity through sharing best practices, for example, the use of mobile and wireless technologies as well as the media and other communication channels.

| 23. | Support initiatives and campaigns at national, regional and/or local levels that encourage physical activity, the development of monitoring systems, and sport participation of all, such as the European Week of Sport, HealthyLifestyle4All, the Eurobarometer on sport and physical activity, the European Health Interview Survey - Physical Activity Questionnaire (EHIS-PAQ), etc. |
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23.

Support initiatives and campaigns at national, regional and/or local levels that encourage physical activity, the development of monitoring systems, and sport participation of all, such as the European Week of Sport, HealthyLifestyle4All, the Eurobarometer on sport and physical activity, the European Health Interview Survey - Physical Activity Questionnaire (EHIS-PAQ), etc.

| 24. | Where appropriate and in line with the GDPR, establish and promote evidence-based national, regional and/or local physical fitness monitoring systems that motivate the population to lifelong physical activity with appropriate individual feedback reports and the tracking of fitness changes on a voluntary basis, and provide valuable information for policymaking (12). |
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24.

Where appropriate and in line with the GDPR, establish and promote evidence-based national, regional and/or local physical fitness monitoring systems that motivate the population to lifelong physical activity with appropriate individual feedback reports and the tracking of fitness changes on a voluntary basis, and provide valuable information for policymaking (12).

| 25. | Support, with a cross-sectoral approach, policies at all levels regarding the creation of accessible and sustainable public areas where all citizens may engage in sporting activities or lifelong physical activity, such as neighbourhoods, newly-built areas, side-walks with bicycles or jogging lanes, sport facilities in schools and universities etc., for example through the Cohesion Policy Funds. |
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25.

Support, with a cross-sectoral approach, policies at all levels regarding the creation of accessible and sustainable public areas where all citizens may engage in sporting activities or lifelong physical activity, such as neighbourhoods, newly-built areas, side-walks with bicycles or jogging lanes, sport facilities in schools and universities etc., for example through the Cohesion Policy Funds.

| 26. | Identify and synchronize at all levels, with involvement of all relevant public authorities and the scientific community, those policies and measures that aim to inspire people to engage in sporting activities or lifelong physical activity, and encourage sectoral decision-makers to take greater account in their respective policies of the benefits that lifelong physical activity and the monitoring of the physical fitness of the population can generate. |
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26.

Identify and synchronize at all levels, with involvement of all relevant public authorities and the scientific community, those policies and measures that aim to inspire people to engage in sporting activities or lifelong physical activity, and encourage sectoral decision-makers to take greater account in their respective policies of the benefits that lifelong physical activity and the monitoring of the physical fitness of the population can generate.

| 27. | Exchange good practices on how to motivate people to move and exercise during the day and exchange information on effective instruments and policy initiatives in different environments of daily life to stimulate physical activity, including in schools and workplaces. |
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27.

Exchange good practices on how to motivate people to move and exercise during the day and exchange information on effective instruments and policy initiatives in different environments of daily life to stimulate physical activity, including in schools and workplaces.

| 28. | Strengthen collaboration, where possible, with the health sector in providing exercise prescription and counselling given by healthcare and specialised professionals. |
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28.

Strengthen collaboration, where possible, with the health sector in providing exercise prescription and counselling given by healthcare and specialised professionals.

INVITE THE COMMISSION TO:

| 29. | Explore the possibility of supporting the development of a harmonised system of data that enables the monitoring of physical activity at European level in order to assess more accurately the health, social and economic consequences. |
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29.

Explore the possibility of supporting the development of a harmonised system of data that enables the monitoring of physical activity at European level in order to assess more accurately the health, social and economic consequences.

| 30. | Promote knowledge of and give visibility to evidence of the costs of the health risks linked to physical inactivity, in particular health expenditure, to help inform public decision-making on the investments to be made at European level in this area. |
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30.

Promote knowledge of and give visibility to evidence of the costs of the health risks linked to physical inactivity, in particular health expenditure, to help inform public decision-making on the investments to be made at European level in this area.

| 31. | Support the exchange of the best practices of existing successful projects and networks on promoting lifelong physical activity and physical fitness monitoring, involving as appropriate the HEPA focal points network. In order to facilitate physical fitness monitoring across Europe and creating backbone for prompt evidence-based policy-making, promote these practices together with the HEPA focal points network on an appropriate European platform. |
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31.

Support the exchange of the best practices of existing successful projects and networks on promoting lifelong physical activity and physical fitness monitoring, involving as appropriate the HEPA focal points network. In order to facilitate physical fitness monitoring across Europe and creating backbone for prompt evidence-based policy-making, promote these practices together with the HEPA focal points network on an appropriate European platform.

| 32. | Consider EU funding, for example through the Erasmus+ programme, InvestEU, etc. which could support European cooperation to foster the establishment of national, regional and/or local physical fitness monitoring systems. |
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32.

Consider EU funding, for example through the Erasmus+ programme, InvestEU, etc. which could support European cooperation to foster the establishment of national, regional and/or local physical fitness monitoring systems.

| 33. | Inform Member States and the sport movement about relevant EU funding programmes and initiatives that can be used to support cross-sectoral projects related to sport and physical activity and to promote a healthy lifestyle, as well as the establishment of national, regional and/or local physical monitoring systems, for example through Erasmus+, the EU4Health programme, Horizon Europe, InvestEU, etc. |
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33.

Inform Member States and the sport movement about relevant EU funding programmes and initiatives that can be used to support cross-sectoral projects related to sport and physical activity and to promote a healthy lifestyle, as well as the establishment of national, regional and/or local physical monitoring systems, for example through Erasmus+, the EU4Health programme, Horizon Europe, InvestEU, etc.

INVITE THE SPORT MOVEMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS TO:

| 34. | Consider using existing free-of-charge platforms (13)
  , in line with the GDPR, for monitoring the physical fitness of citizens as a diagnostic and motivational tool for lifelong physical activity. |
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34.

Consider using existing free-of-charge platforms (13)
  , in line with the GDPR, for monitoring the physical fitness of citizens as a diagnostic and motivational tool for lifelong physical activity.

| 35. | Further emphasise opportunities for the lifelong engagement of citizens in sport and physical activity in their activities, projects and initiatives, including for different target groups. |
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35.

Further emphasise opportunities for the lifelong engagement of citizens in sport and physical activity in their activities, projects and initiatives, including for different target groups.

| 36. | Cooperate closely with stakeholders from other sectors in tackling the existing gaps in the provision of opportunities for engagement in sport and physical activity in different contexts of everyday life. |
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36.

Cooperate closely with stakeholders from other sectors in tackling the existing gaps in the provision of opportunities for engagement in sport and physical activity in different contexts of everyday life.

| 37. | Actively engage, if appropriate, in the development of national, regional and local physical fitness monitoring systems and strategies to increase citizens’ lifelong physical activity. |
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37.

Actively engage, if appropriate, in the development of national, regional and local physical fitness monitoring systems and strategies to increase citizens’ lifelong physical activity.

| 38. | Adapt communication tools, in line with the GDPR, to the target audiences based on concrete actions. |
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38.

Adapt communication tools, in line with the GDPR, to the target audiences based on concrete actions.

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(1)  World Health Organization (2020). WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour.

(2)  Report from the Commission on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on promoting health-enhancing physical activity across sectors, COM/2019/565 final.

(3)  For example, the World Health Organization’s ‘Physical activity strategy for the WHO European Region 2016–2025’, the ‘EU Action Plan on Childhood Obesity 2014-2020’ and a ‘Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030’ (World Health Organization (2018)).

(4)  Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) (OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1).

(5)  World Health Organization (2020): WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour.

(6)  Definition according to the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE): ‘Groups of persons that experience a higher risk of poverty, social exclusion, discrimination and violence than the general population, including, but not limited to, ethnic minorities, migrants, people with disabilities, isolated elderly people and children’.

(7)  International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA): ‘The economic cost of physical inactivity in Europe: an ISCA/Cebr report’, June 2015.

(8)  At EU level, for example, the European Commission launched a ‘HealthyLifestyle4All’ initiative as a two-year campaign that aims to link sport and active lifestyles with health, food and other policies. The Tartu Call for a Healthy Lifestyle was launched in 2017.

(9)  World Health Organization (2018): Promoting physical activity in the health sector.

(10)  Such as Cyprus (expected soon), Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, etc.

(11)  World Health Organization (2018): ’Global action plan on physical activity 2018–2030: more active people for a healthier world’.

(12)  For example, by providing fitness monitoring tools that allow examination of population health trends, the effects of national fitness policies and interventions on health at the local, regional and/or national level.

(13)  For example, an online platform that supports the establishment of physical fitness monitoring programmes which provide feedback on specific individual physical fitness outcomes.

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ANNEX I

Definitions for the purpose of these conclusions:

Physical activity is generally defined as ‘any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscle that requires energy expenditure’ (1). It refers to all movement, including leisure time, transport to get to and from places, or as part of a person’s work.

Physical fitness is the ability to carry out daily tasks with vigour and alertness without undue fatigue and ample energy to enjoy leisure time pursuits and to meet unforeseen emergencies.

Lifelong physical activity is all physical activity undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving health, preventing non-communicable diseases, and maintaining a healthy weight, quality of life and well-being in personal, civic, social and/or employment terms.

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(1)  Based on the World Health Organization (2020): WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour.

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ANNEX II

POLITICAL BACKGROUND

| 1. | Council conclusions of 27 November 2012 on promoting health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA). |
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1.

Council conclusions of 27 November 2012 on promoting health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA).

| 2. | Council Recommendation of 26 November 2013 on promoting health-enhancing physical activity across sectors. |
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2.

Council Recommendation of 26 November 2013 on promoting health-enhancing physical activity across sectors.

| 3. | Council conclusions of 15 December 2015 on the promotion of motor skills, physical and sport activities for children. |
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3.

Council conclusions of 15 December 2015 on the promotion of motor skills, physical and sport activities for children.

| 4. | Council conclusions of 29 June 2020 on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery of the sport sector. |
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4.

Council conclusions of 29 June 2020 on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery of the sport sector.

| 5. | Council conclusions of 4 December 2020 on promoting cross-sectoral cooperation for the benefit of sport and physical activity in society. |
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5.

Council conclusions of 4 December 2020 on promoting cross-sectoral cooperation for the benefit of sport and physical activity in society.

| 6. | Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the European Union Work Plan for Sport (1 January 2021 to 30 June 2024), 2020/C 419/01. |
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6.

Resolution of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the European Union Work Plan for Sport (1 January 2021 to 30 June 2024), 2020/C 419/01.

| 7. | European Parliament resolution of 10 February 2021 on the impact of COVID-19 on youth and on sport (2020/2864(RSP)). |
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7.

European Parliament resolution of 10 February 2021 on the impact of COVID-19 on youth and on sport (2020/2864(RSP)).

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| 13.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CI 501/7 |
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13.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CI 501/7

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Council conclusions on increasing the availability and competitiveness of European audiovisual and media content

(2021/C 501 I/02)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

RECOGNISES THAT:

| 1. | The availability and effective accessibility of European audiovisual and media content is increasingly crucial for the sustainable development of the European media sector and intrinsically linked to the promotion of cultural and linguistical diversity as a main asset of its competitiveness. |
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1.

The availability and effective accessibility of European audiovisual and media content is increasingly crucial for the sustainable development of the European media sector and intrinsically linked to the promotion of cultural and linguistical diversity as a main asset of its competitiveness.

| 2. | In order to achieve this goal, targeted sectorial and horizontal policy measures should ensure adequate prominence of European audiovisual works and media content and stimulate new sources of financing and models of distribution in view of growing presence of global audiovisual and media content service providers and platforms. |
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2.

In order to achieve this goal, targeted sectorial and horizontal policy measures should ensure adequate prominence of European audiovisual works and media content and stimulate new sources of financing and models of distribution in view of growing presence of global audiovisual and media content service providers and platforms.

| 3. | Such measures are all the more important as the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the level and structure of financing of European audiovisual content. It has accelerated market trends of increased supply and demand for the content from online providers regarding the share of cinematographic and other audiovisual works originating in different national markets, the relations between successful theatrical and video on demand (VOD) releases, and the uneven visibility of such works across the different markets. (1) |
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3.

Such measures are all the more important as the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the level and structure of financing of European audiovisual content. It has accelerated market trends of increased supply and demand for the content from online providers regarding the share of cinematographic and other audiovisual works originating in different national markets, the relations between successful theatrical and video on demand (VOD) releases, and the uneven visibility of such works across the different markets. (1)

| 4. | With the increased demand for online available content, evolved business models of financing investments by VOD providers and licensing are emerging, whereas the majority of European audiovisual and media content is still being produced by traditional players such as public and private media companies and independent producers that hold the capacity for the development of new projects and new talents. While public financing is more important for some sectors compared to others, at the same time differences remain between the systems and capacities of different countries. |
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4.

With the increased demand for online available content, evolved business models of financing investments by VOD providers and licensing are emerging, whereas the majority of European audiovisual and media content is still being produced by traditional players such as public and private media companies and independent producers that hold the capacity for the development of new projects and new talents. While public financing is more important for some sectors compared to others, at the same time differences remain between the systems and capacities of different countries.

| 5. | In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has widened the gap between the revenues from internet advertising and traditional advertising. Although television advertising held its competitive place against the use of internet advertising until the COVID-19 crisis relatively well, the share of online advertising increased in 2021. (2) |
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5.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has widened the gap between the revenues from internet advertising and traditional advertising. Although television advertising held its competitive place against the use of internet advertising until the COVID-19 crisis relatively well, the share of online advertising increased in 2021. (2)

| 6. | The distribution of audiovisual and media content is increasingly taking place online, in particular through online platforms, and plays an important role in the revenue stream of media companies. As creative and cultural content has high economic potential for Europe both online and offline, it is important to ensure fair access to it in order to safeguard the democratic debate, media pluralism and cultural and linguistic diversity. |
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6.

The distribution of audiovisual and media content is increasingly taking place online, in particular through online platforms, and plays an important role in the revenue stream of media companies. As creative and cultural content has high economic potential for Europe both online and offline, it is important to ensure fair access to it in order to safeguard the democratic debate, media pluralism and cultural and linguistic diversity.

| 7. | In order to increase the availability and competitiveness of European audiovisual and media content, further action should be taken on the following priorities:






  a) | Cultural diversity |
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7.

In order to increase the availability and competitiveness of European audiovisual and media content, further action should be taken on the following priorities:

a)

Cultural diversity

| b) | Promotion and prominence of European content |
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b)

Promotion and prominence of European content

| c) | Sustainability |
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c)

Sustainability

A.   CULTURAL DIVERSITY

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

ACKNOWLEDGES THAT:

| 8. | As cultural diversity and creativity are at the core of the European audiovisual and media sectors in competition with other widely available content on the international market, it is important to boost the capacities of those sectors in order to reach larger audiences, increase the circulation of the content, and promote its various expressions, innovation and talents, while at the same time preserve our strategic cultural assets. |
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8.

As cultural diversity and creativity are at the core of the European audiovisual and media sectors in competition with other widely available content on the international market, it is important to boost the capacities of those sectors in order to reach larger audiences, increase the circulation of the content, and promote its various expressions, innovation and talents, while at the same time preserve our strategic cultural assets.

| 9. | Digital solutions can facilitate larger accessibility, while co-productions, support for cross-border distribution, a vibrant independent theatrical and distribution sector, promotion of linguistic diversity and freedom of creation can have a major impact on achieving greater availability of the content and improved competitiveness for the audiovisual sector. |
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9.

Digital solutions can facilitate larger accessibility, while co-productions, support for cross-border distribution, a vibrant independent theatrical and distribution sector, promotion of linguistic diversity and freedom of creation can have a major impact on achieving greater availability of the content and improved competitiveness for the audiovisual sector.

UNDERLINES THAT:

| 10. | Co-productions, as well as international collaboration among professionals at all levels of the value chain (creation, training, development, production, promotion, distribution), facilitate cross-border distribution of audiovisual works, contribute to increase the development of the sector in partner countries, and help to improve cultural and economic exchanges. |
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10.

Co-productions, as well as international collaboration among professionals at all levels of the value chain (creation, training, development, production, promotion, distribution), facilitate cross-border distribution of audiovisual works, contribute to increase the development of the sector in partner countries, and help to improve cultural and economic exchanges.

| 11. | In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, international co-productions are subject to different funding systems and audiovisual capacities in the Member States, with different shares of diverse European content within European and international markets. |
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11.

In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, international co-productions are subject to different funding systems and audiovisual capacities in the Member States, with different shares of diverse European content within European and international markets.

| 12. | For European audiovisual works to succeed in both European and international markets, it is of utmost importance that content meets high standards in terms of high quality and innovation, reflect the cultural and thematic diversity of European society, and where relevant has international appeal. |
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12.

For European audiovisual works to succeed in both European and international markets, it is of utmost importance that content meets high standards in terms of high quality and innovation, reflect the cultural and thematic diversity of European society, and where relevant has international appeal.

| 13. | The historical and cultural value of audiovisual archives constitutes an important asset for the sector and must be safeguarded to facilitate the dissemination and possible re-use of the content in the public interest. |
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13.

The historical and cultural value of audiovisual archives constitutes an important asset for the sector and must be safeguarded to facilitate the dissemination and possible re-use of the content in the public interest.

| 14. | In terms of freedom of creation, it is important to safeguard freedom of expression, media pluralism and diversity of opinions and ideas, which are among the fundamental values of the European Union. |
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14.

In terms of freedom of creation, it is important to safeguard freedom of expression, media pluralism and diversity of opinions and ideas, which are among the fundamental values of the European Union.

| 15. | Special attention should be given to the accessibility of content for people with disabilities and for older people. |
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15.

Special attention should be given to the accessibility of content for people with disabilities and for older people.

| 16. | Public service media in Europe play a significant role in safeguarding the public interest, encouraging diversity of opinions, creation of new and innovative content and ideas and combating disinformation and misinformation. |
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16.

Public service media in Europe play a significant role in safeguarding the public interest, encouraging diversity of opinions, creation of new and innovative content and ideas and combating disinformation and misinformation.

| 17. | Fair remuneration of authors, producers and other right-holders is essential for their freedom of creation and economic independence, as well as for the sustainability, originality and competitiveness of the media sector. |
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17.

Fair remuneration of authors, producers and other right-holders is essential for their freedom of creation and economic independence, as well as for the sustainability, originality and competitiveness of the media sector.

| 18. | A gender balanced and socially inclusive participation contributes to improving the quality and broadening the horizons of European audiovisual and media content. |
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18.

A gender balanced and socially inclusive participation contributes to improving the quality and broadening the horizons of European audiovisual and media content.

INVITES THE MEMBER STATES AND THE EUROPEAN COMMISION, WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVES COMPETENCES, TO:

| 19. | Facilitate co-productions, notably by promoting a European model of co-production, and promote their circulation in the countries involved and beyond, while taking into account the evolving context of investments by VOD providers (3). |
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19.

Facilitate co-productions, notably by promoting a European model of co-production, and promote their circulation in the countries involved and beyond, while taking into account the evolving context of investments by VOD providers (3).

| 20. | Encourage the exchange of know-how on co-productions, and foster collaboration from an early stage in the development of co-productions and among professionals across the entire value chain. |
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20.

Encourage the exchange of know-how on co-productions, and foster collaboration from an early stage in the development of co-productions and among professionals across the entire value chain.

| 21. | Develop improved policies to boost the competitiveness of the European audivisual sector by fostering the creation of high-quality European content that can appeal to a wider audience, while giving support to authors as the key content creators and to co-productions as well as distribution of original content. |
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21.

Develop improved policies to boost the competitiveness of the European audivisual sector by fostering the creation of high-quality European content that can appeal to a wider audience, while giving support to authors as the key content creators and to co-productions as well as distribution of original content.

| 22. | Encourage greater availability of original content in different language versions and support the development of digital solutions enabling linguistic diversity and ensuring the possibility of watching the content in the original language. |
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22.

Encourage greater availability of original content in different language versions and support the development of digital solutions enabling linguistic diversity and ensuring the possibility of watching the content in the original language.

| 23. | Promote the development of efficient marketing tools and film audience strategies and strengthening media and film literacy, while considering audience analysis and expectations. |
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23.

Promote the development of efficient marketing tools and film audience strategies and strengthening media and film literacy, while considering audience analysis and expectations.

| 24. | Promote gender balance and social diversity in content creation by introducing incentives for encouraging stakeholders in the audiovisual sector to strive for equality, diversity and inclusivity, while respecting the freedom of creation. |
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24.

Promote gender balance and social diversity in content creation by introducing incentives for encouraging stakeholders in the audiovisual sector to strive for equality, diversity and inclusivity, while respecting the freedom of creation.

| 25. | Strive to ensure that the content of national archives and heritage film institutes’ is being safeguarded and promoted, and is available on a larger scale, while ensuring respect for the intellectual property rights concerned. |
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25.

Strive to ensure that the content of national archives and heritage film institutes’ is being safeguarded and promoted, and is available on a larger scale, while ensuring respect for the intellectual property rights concerned.

INVITES THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO:

| 26. | Continue to support through Creative Europe MEDIA networks of European independent VOD services having a high share of European content and making it visible through prominence activities. |
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26.

Continue to support through Creative Europe MEDIA networks of European independent VOD services having a high share of European content and making it visible through prominence activities.

| 27. | Maintain the consultation process through the European Film Forum with the Member States and all relevant stakeholders on how to boost the long-term circulation of European content deriving from co-productions and other forms of cross-border collaboration, while taking into account the result of the dialogue with the audiovisual industry announced in the Media Action Plan on how to improve cross border access to and availability of audiovisual content. |
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27.

Maintain the consultation process through the European Film Forum with the Member States and all relevant stakeholders on how to boost the long-term circulation of European content deriving from co-productions and other forms of cross-border collaboration, while taking into account the result of the dialogue with the audiovisual industry announced in the Media Action Plan on how to improve cross border access to and availability of audiovisual content.

B.   PROMOTION AND PROMINENCE OF EUROPEAN CONTENT

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

ACKNOWLEDGES THAT:

| 28. | Access to diverse audiovisual content and information in all the EU languages, as well as to reliable and trustworthy content, is of high importance. |
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28.

Access to diverse audiovisual content and information in all the EU languages, as well as to reliable and trustworthy content, is of high importance.

| 29. | Public service media in Europe play a significant role in safeguarding democratic values, encouraging the diversity of opinions and enhancing the availability and competitiveness of European content, especially when using innovative technology tools. |
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29.

Public service media in Europe play a significant role in safeguarding democratic values, encouraging the diversity of opinions and enhancing the availability and competitiveness of European content, especially when using innovative technology tools.

| 30. | The regulations on the promotion and prominence of European audiovisual and media content are intended to play an important role in ensuring media pluralism, enhancing cultural diversity, strengthening international competitiveness and promoting independent production. |
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30.

The regulations on the promotion and prominence of European audiovisual and media content are intended to play an important role in ensuring media pluralism, enhancing cultural diversity, strengthening international competitiveness and promoting independent production.

| 31. | In comparison to traditional ways of distribution, finding European works on VOD platforms can be challenging for consumers. It is therefore important to analyse the market and evaluate the effectiveness of the prominence measures. |
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31.

In comparison to traditional ways of distribution, finding European works on VOD platforms can be challenging for consumers. It is therefore important to analyse the market and evaluate the effectiveness of the prominence measures.

INVITES THE MEMBER STATES AND THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVES COMPETENCES, TO:

| 32. | Speed up the transposition of the revised AVMSD (4), since the effective implementation of the AVMSD will contribute to improve online access to European works. |
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32.

Speed up the transposition of the revised AVMSD (4), since the effective implementation of the AVMSD will contribute to improve online access to European works.

| 33. | Foster the discussion on the existing and envisaged solutions regarding the promotion of European works and enable the exchange of best practices on the prominence of European works’ measures according to the different business models. |
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33.

Foster the discussion on the existing and envisaged solutions regarding the promotion of European works and enable the exchange of best practices on the prominence of European works’ measures according to the different business models.

| 34. | Develop the exchange of best practices and enhance cooperation between audiovisual regulators and film funding organisations. |
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34.

Develop the exchange of best practices and enhance cooperation between audiovisual regulators and film funding organisations.

| 35. | Improve and facilitate the discoverability of legally available and creative content online in all the languages of the European Union, notably through online tools such as Agorateka (5), with the aim of making it easily identifiable among a vast array of other content. |
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35.

Improve and facilitate the discoverability of legally available and creative content online in all the languages of the European Union, notably through online tools such as Agorateka (5), with the aim of making it easily identifiable among a vast array of other content.

| 36. | Encourage the development of databases such as Lumiere VOD (6) in order to facilitate checking the country of origin of European works. |
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36.

Encourage the development of databases such as Lumiere VOD (6) in order to facilitate checking the country of origin of European works.

| 37. | Foster continuous support for the theatrical distribution of European works, including the support for smaller and independent distributors for the circulation of a large diversity of European films, and support festivals as effective outlets for original and diverse content, both at national, European and international levels. |
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37.

Foster continuous support for the theatrical distribution of European works, including the support for smaller and independent distributors for the circulation of a large diversity of European films, and support festivals as effective outlets for original and diverse content, both at national, European and international levels.

| 38. | Assess and discuss the current situation of European works in the European Union, taking into account the market position of different stakeholders and all other relevant factors (level playing field, audiovisual and linguistic specificities in different countries, the current definition of European works (7), etc.), with the aim of ensuring a diverse, fair and balanced market for European works. |
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38.

Assess and discuss the current situation of European works in the European Union, taking into account the market position of different stakeholders and all other relevant factors (level playing field, audiovisual and linguistic specificities in different countries, the current definition of European works (7), etc.), with the aim of ensuring a diverse, fair and balanced market for European works.

| 39. | Reflect on Europe’s digital and technological sovereignty, taking into account existing European providers, and analyse the added value of a possible European platform, in cooperation with public service media, which would include European content from Member States to be made available to as many EU citizens as possible, while ensuring respect for intellectual property rights concerned and current competition and state aid regulations. |
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39.

Reflect on Europe’s digital and technological sovereignty, taking into account existing European providers, and analyse the added value of a possible European platform, in cooperation with public service media, which would include European content from Member States to be made available to as many EU citizens as possible, while ensuring respect for intellectual property rights concerned and current competition and state aid regulations.

| 40. | Encourage public service media to provide new opportunities for independent producers in the creation and promotion of European content. |
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40.

Encourage public service media to provide new opportunities for independent producers in the creation and promotion of European content.

| 41. | Develop and encourage new schemes to promote the production and distribution of European audiovisual works targeting children and young adults. |
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41.

Develop and encourage new schemes to promote the production and distribution of European audiovisual works targeting children and young adults.

INVITES THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO:

| 42. | Continue playing an active role in facilitating the smooth implementation of the AVMSD via accurate monitoring, reporting activities and support to the Member States. |
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42.

Continue playing an active role in facilitating the smooth implementation of the AVMSD via accurate monitoring, reporting activities and support to the Member States.

| 43. | Analyse the situation of the European audiovisual market, focussing on the main challenges and imbalances from an EU perspective and possible solutions. |
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43.

Analyse the situation of the European audiovisual market, focussing on the main challenges and imbalances from an EU perspective and possible solutions.

C.   SUSTAINABILITY

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

UNDERLINES THAT:

| 44. | In order to achieve its sustainable development, the media sector must build on its assets (such as creativity and cultural diversity); make the content available and visible; and adapt to the challenges and opportunities offered by the digital transformation. |
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44.

In order to achieve its sustainable development, the media sector must build on its assets (such as creativity and cultural diversity); make the content available and visible; and adapt to the challenges and opportunities offered by the digital transformation.

| 45. | Platforms and online providers, as global players in the digital economy, have an important role in ensuring the availability, accessibility and distribution of content. At the same time, they are becoming increasingly relevant for the democratic debate, cultural diversity, the respect of fundamental rights and values, the protection of minors from harmful content, and the protection of intellectual property rights. |
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45.

Platforms and online providers, as global players in the digital economy, have an important role in ensuring the availability, accessibility and distribution of content. At the same time, they are becoming increasingly relevant for the democratic debate, cultural diversity, the respect of fundamental rights and values, the protection of minors from harmful content, and the protection of intellectual property rights.

| 46. | Territorial and exclusive licensing remains essential for the freedom of creation, for the sustainability and financing of the sector, as well as for providing the basis for the development of new business models. |
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46.

Territorial and exclusive licensing remains essential for the freedom of creation, for the sustainability and financing of the sector, as well as for providing the basis for the development of new business models.

INVITES THE MEMBER STATES AND THE EUROPEAN COMMISION, WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVES COMPETENCES, TO:

| 47. | Promote licensing practices aimed at ensuring a more equitable relationship between VOD providers, platforms, independent producers and other right-holders across the value chain, and to foster the development of measures designed to enable transparent and comprehensive information on the use of audiovisual works in online services, including the possibility to access data on the overall views and territories. |
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47.

Promote licensing practices aimed at ensuring a more equitable relationship between VOD providers, platforms, independent producers and other right-holders across the value chain, and to foster the development of measures designed to enable transparent and comprehensive information on the use of audiovisual works in online services, including the possibility to access data on the overall views and territories.

| 48. | Promote the competitiveness of the European audiovisual sector, taking into account the role played by the territorial and exclusive licensing of rights in the funding system for European works. The question of licensing should also be included as part of the dialogue announced in the Media Action Plan on the circulation of audiovisual works. |
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48.

Promote the competitiveness of the European audiovisual sector, taking into account the role played by the territorial and exclusive licensing of rights in the funding system for European works. The question of licensing should also be included as part of the dialogue announced in the Media Action Plan on the circulation of audiovisual works.

| 49. | Promote and support funding approaches that focus on innovation, growth, technologies and structure of the industry. |
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49.

Promote and support funding approaches that focus on innovation, growth, technologies and structure of the industry.

| 50. | Further promote the relevant actions under the Media Action Plan, fostering the transformation and the resilience of the independent audiovisual and media companies, particularly MediaInvest, which is aimed at boosting investments in audiovisual production and distribution, as well as the interactive tool guiding media companies through various support instruments. |
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50.

Further promote the relevant actions under the Media Action Plan, fostering the transformation and the resilience of the independent audiovisual and media companies, particularly MediaInvest, which is aimed at boosting investments in audiovisual production and distribution, as well as the interactive tool guiding media companies through various support instruments.

| 51. | Encourage to increase the volume of European audiovisual works in the on demand catalogues with quality films covering a broad range in terms of subjects and age groups, and assess the possibility of setting up public-private partnerships for the dissemination of high-quality content at national, European and international level. |
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51.

Encourage to increase the volume of European audiovisual works in the on demand catalogues with quality films covering a broad range in terms of subjects and age groups, and assess the possibility of setting up public-private partnerships for the dissemination of high-quality content at national, European and international level.

| 52. | Focus on investing in citizens’ resilience through measures for digital and media literacy in order to promote knowledge acquisition and critical thinking. This should empower users to identify illegal content and disinformation, as well as to understand the functioning of algorithm recommendation tools and benefit from the content discoverability. |
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52.

Focus on investing in citizens’ resilience through measures for digital and media literacy in order to promote knowledge acquisition and critical thinking. This should empower users to identify illegal content and disinformation, as well as to understand the functioning of algorithm recommendation tools and benefit from the content discoverability.

| 53. | Enhance and improve the training of professionals and companies in order to help them adapt to the changing creation and distribution model in the context of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven systems, and to foster the processes of reskilling and upskilling. |
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53.

Enhance and improve the training of professionals and companies in order to help them adapt to the changing creation and distribution model in the context of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven systems, and to foster the processes of reskilling and upskilling.

| 54. | Promote and support the new possibilities that digital economy offers for the distribution of content with special regard to a fair balance between the development of AI systems and their use of the content to guarantee the competitiveness of both the AI sector and audiovisual and media sector. In this context, ensure a level playing field between relevant stakeholders, and help the audiovisual and media sector to thrive without hindering the dynamics of innovation. |
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54.

Promote and support the new possibilities that digital economy offers for the distribution of content with special regard to a fair balance between the development of AI systems and their use of the content to guarantee the competitiveness of both the AI sector and audiovisual and media sector. In this context, ensure a level playing field between relevant stakeholders, and help the audiovisual and media sector to thrive without hindering the dynamics of innovation.

| 55. | Take all the necessary measures to prevent the access to illegal audiovisual content at national and EU level, and to establish effective online enforcement against commercial-scale infringement. |
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55.

Take all the necessary measures to prevent the access to illegal audiovisual content at national and EU level, and to establish effective online enforcement against commercial-scale infringement.

| 56. | Take the necessary measures to enable the media sector seize the opportunities offered by the European Green Deal and the European Climate Law. |
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56.

Take the necessary measures to enable the media sector seize the opportunities offered by the European Green Deal and the European Climate Law.

| 57. | Discuss the possible policy initiatives related to the framework for internet advertising in order to ensure fair advertising rules for internet and traditional advertising with respect to audiovisual and media content. |
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57.

Discuss the possible policy initiatives related to the framework for internet advertising in order to ensure fair advertising rules for internet and traditional advertising with respect to audiovisual and media content.

| 58. | Safeguard the independence of media organisations and take measures, as appropriate, to guarantee transparency and pluralism in the media sector. |
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58.

Safeguard the independence of media organisations and take measures, as appropriate, to guarantee transparency and pluralism in the media sector.

INVITES THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO:

| 59. | Ease the administrative burden related to the access to funding for European content, while fully respecting the requirements of the Financial Regulation. |
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59.

Ease the administrative burden related to the access to funding for European content, while fully respecting the requirements of the Financial Regulation.

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(1)  Yearbook 2020/2021 Key Trends, European Audiovisual Observatory (Council of Europe), Strasbourg 2021, p. 20-21.

(2)  Yearbook 2020/2021 Key Trends, European Audiovisual Observatory (Council of Europe), Strasbourg 2021, p. 46.

(3)  The report by the OMC working group on co-productions will in this context be of significant importance.

(4)  Audiovisual Media Services Directive (see reference in the Annex).

(5)  Pan-European portal of the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO): https://agorateka.eu/ea/About

(6)  The first online Directory of European Films available on VOD, launched by the European Audiovisual Observatory on 16 April 2019 at the Council of Europe.

(7)  As provided for in the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32010L0013&from=EN

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ANNEX

Council conclusions

| — | Council conclusions on the strengthening of European content in the digital economy (OJ C 457, 19.12.2018, p. 2). |
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—

Council conclusions on the strengthening of European content in the digital economy (OJ C 457, 19.12.2018, p. 2).

| — | Council conclusions on improving the cross-border circulation of European audiovisual works, with an emphasis on co-productions (OJ C 192, 7.6.2019, p. 11). |
| --- | --- |

—

Council conclusions on improving the cross-border circulation of European audiovisual works, with an emphasis on co-productions (OJ C 192, 7.6.2019, p. 11).

| — | Council conclusions on safeguarding a free and pluralistic media system (OJ C 422, 7.12.2020, p. 8). |
| --- | --- |

—

Council conclusions on safeguarding a free and pluralistic media system (OJ C 422, 7.12.2020, p. 8).

| — | Council conclusions on media literacy in an ever-changing world 2020/C 193/06 (OJ C 193, 9.6.2020, p. 23). |
| --- | --- |

—

Council conclusions on media literacy in an ever-changing world 2020/C 193/06 (OJ C 193, 9.6.2020, p. 23).

| — | Council conclusions on ‘Europe’s Media in the Digital Decade: An Action Plan to Support Recovery and Transformation’ 2021/C 210/01 (OJ C 210, 3.6.2021, p. 1). |
| --- | --- |

—

Council conclusions on ‘Europe’s Media in the Digital Decade: An Action Plan to Support Recovery and Transformation’ 2021/C 210/01 (OJ C 210, 3.6.2021, p. 1).

| — | Council conclusions on the Working Plan For Culture 2019-2022 (OJ C 460, 21.12.2018, p. 12). |
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—

Council conclusions on the Working Plan For Culture 2019-2022 (OJ C 460, 21.12.2018, p. 12).

Legislative acts

| — | Directive 2010/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive, AVMSD) (OJ L 303, 28.11.2018, p. 69). |
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—

Directive 2010/13/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 March 2010 on the coordination of certain provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action in Member States concerning the provision of audiovisual media services (Audiovisual Media Services Directive, AVMSD) (OJ L 303, 28.11.2018, p. 69).

| — | Regulation (EU) 2021/818 of the European Parliament and of the council of 20 May 2021 establishing the Creative Europe Programme (2021 to 2027) and repealing Regulation (EU No 1295/2013) (OJ L 189, 28.5.2021, p. 34). |
| --- | --- |

—

Regulation (EU) 2021/818 of the European Parliament and of the council of 20 May 2021 establishing the Creative Europe Programme (2021 to 2027) and repealing Regulation (EU No 1295/2013) (OJ L 189, 28.5.2021, p. 34).

Communications and recommendations from the Commission

| — | Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Europe’s Media in the Digital Decade: An Action Plan to Support Recovery and Transformation, COM(2020) 784 final. |
| --- | --- |

—

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Europe’s Media in the Digital Decade: An Action Plan to Support Recovery and Transformation, COM(2020) 784 final.

| — | Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – On the European democracy action plan, COM(2020) 790 final. |
| --- | --- |

—

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – On the European democracy action plan, COM(2020) 790 final.

| — | Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Shaping Europe’s digital future, COM(2020) 67 final. |
| --- | --- |

—

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Shaping Europe’s digital future, COM(2020) 67 final.

| — | Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Making the most of the EU’s innovative potential An intellectual property action plan to support the EU’s recovery and resilience. COM (2020) 760 final. |
| --- | --- |

—

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Making the most of the EU’s innovative potential An intellectual property action plan to support the EU’s recovery and resilience. COM (2020) 760 final.

European Parliament initiatives

| — | Report on artificial intelligence in education, culture and the audiovisual sector (2020/2017(INI)). |
| --- | --- |

—

Report on artificial intelligence in education, culture and the audiovisual sector (2020/2017(INI)).

European Audiovisual Observatory studies

| — | Yearbook 2020/2021 Key Trends, European Audiovisual Observatory (Council of Europe), Strasbourg. |
| --- | --- |

—

Yearbook 2020/2021 Key Trends, European Audiovisual Observatory (Council of Europe), Strasbourg.

Council of Europe

| — | European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production, 1992. |
| --- | --- |

—

European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production, 1992.

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| 13.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CI 501/13 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |

13.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CI 501/13

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Council conclusions on culture, high-quality architecture and built environment as key elements of the New European Bauhaus initiative

(2021/C 501 I/03)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Acknowledging the steps already taken by the European Union and its Member States to enhance the important role of culture, high-quality architecture and built environment on the political agenda and to ensure the legacy of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, as well as its lasting impact for our societies and future generations,

Recalling the main political references as set out in the Annex to these conclusions,

Building on the Work Plan for Culture 2019 – 2022, in particular on its on Priority B (‘Cohesion and well-being’), and the actions on the topic ‘high-quality architecture and built environment for everyone’,

WELCOMES the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative, and in this context

UNDERLINES THAT:

| 1. | Architecture and the built environment are embodiments of past and present culture, ways of living and values. They establish the stock for our cultural heritage of the future and contribute to shaping our societies and identities. |
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1.

Architecture and the built environment are embodiments of past and present culture, ways of living and values. They establish the stock for our cultural heritage of the future and contribute to shaping our societies and identities.

| 2. | The built environment (1) is a reflection of a community, and the responsibility for its overall quality rests in the hands of the relevant public sector bodies and other stakeholders, working in close cooperation with all citizens. |
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2.

The built environment (1) is a reflection of a community, and the responsibility for its overall quality rests in the hands of the relevant public sector bodies and other stakeholders, working in close cooperation with all citizens.

| 3. | It is important to ensure that both the development of existing building stock – through restoration, renovation, adapted re-use and conservation – and the creation of new buildings and spaces are of high quality. |
| --- | --- |

3.

It is important to ensure that both the development of existing building stock – through restoration, renovation, adapted re-use and conservation – and the creation of new buildings and spaces are of high quality.

| 4. | Architects, inter alia, play a central role in all phases of the development of high-quality architecture and living environment, and can therefore contribute in a significant manner to the public interest by taking into account territorial diversity and the needs of civil society. |
| --- | --- |

4.

Architects, inter alia, play a central role in all phases of the development of high-quality architecture and living environment, and can therefore contribute in a significant manner to the public interest by taking into account territorial diversity and the needs of civil society.

| 5. | Culture, high-quality architecture (2) and built environment contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) (3) in many ways. They can contribute to the implementation of the European Green Deal (4) and its aim to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. |
| --- | --- |

5.

Culture, high-quality architecture (2) and built environment contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs) (3) in many ways. They can contribute to the implementation of the European Green Deal (4) and its aim to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

| 6. | The NEB is a transdisciplinary initiative combining three inter-linked dimensions: aesthetics, sustainability and inclusion. It relies on a participatory approach and aims to involve all people across the Union, including those from disadvantaged groups, in line with the UN 2030 Agenda and the European Green Deal’s objective of leaving no one behind. |
| --- | --- |

6.

The NEB is a transdisciplinary initiative combining three inter-linked dimensions: aesthetics, sustainability and inclusion. It relies on a participatory approach and aims to involve all people across the Union, including those from disadvantaged groups, in line with the UN 2030 Agenda and the European Green Deal’s objective of leaving no one behind.

| 7. | The NEB initiative draws inspiration from the original Bauhaus (5), which already had a holistic, sustainable, high quality and inclusive approach to design, architecture and art in mind. |
| --- | --- |

7.

The NEB initiative draws inspiration from the original Bauhaus (5), which already had a holistic, sustainable, high quality and inclusive approach to design, architecture and art in mind.

| 8. | While respecting Europe’s diverse cultural heritage, the NEB initiative aims to create an enabling context to transform the living environment and make our way of life more beautiful, sustainable and inclusive, inter alia through innovation and high-quality architecture (6), design, urbanism, and many other artistic and creative areas. |
| --- | --- |

8.

While respecting Europe’s diverse cultural heritage, the NEB initiative aims to create an enabling context to transform the living environment and make our way of life more beautiful, sustainable and inclusive, inter alia through innovation and high-quality architecture (6), design, urbanism, and many other artistic and creative areas.

| 9. | Europe’s cultural and architectural heritage constitutes an important benchmark for the experiential and physical quality of our built environment. It is also a strong asset that can inspire and nourish social cohesion, innovation, transformation and regeneration. The NEB initiative therefore acknowledges the importance of our architectural and archaeological heritage, landscapes, and tangible and intangible cultural heritage. |
| --- | --- |

9.

Europe’s cultural and architectural heritage constitutes an important benchmark for the experiential and physical quality of our built environment. It is also a strong asset that can inspire and nourish social cohesion, innovation, transformation and regeneration. The NEB initiative therefore acknowledges the importance of our architectural and archaeological heritage, landscapes, and tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

| 10. | The multi-dimensional nature of high-quality architecture and built environment requires cross-sectoral cooperation, participation, co-creation and transdisciplinary approaches, particularly in terms of sustainability and policy coherence. |
| --- | --- |

10.

The multi-dimensional nature of high-quality architecture and built environment requires cross-sectoral cooperation, participation, co-creation and transdisciplinary approaches, particularly in terms of sustainability and policy coherence.

| 11. | The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a funding mobilisation at all governance levels, inter alia for high-quality architecture and built environment. These financial resources should be used in a sustainable and quality-oriented manner, in line with the principles of the Davos Baukultur Quality Tool (DBQT) the recommendations of the OMC expert group (7) and the ICOMOS revised Quality Principles for EU-funded interventions with potential impact on cultural heritage (8). |
| --- | --- |

11.

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a funding mobilisation at all governance levels, inter alia for high-quality architecture and built environment. These financial resources should be used in a sustainable and quality-oriented manner, in line with the principles of the Davos Baukultur Quality Tool (DBQT) the recommendations of the OMC expert group (7) and the ICOMOS revised Quality Principles for EU-funded interventions with potential impact on cultural heritage (8).

INVITES THE MEMBER STATES AND THE COMMISSION, WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS OF COMPETENCE, TO:

| 12. | Reaffirm the role of culture and cultural heritage as intrinsic to and inseparable from the built and living environment, and as an important contribution to sustainable development, including the circular economy, social and territorial cohesion, the environment, the biodiversity and climate targets, prosperity and the well-being of all people in Europe. |
| --- | --- |

12.

Reaffirm the role of culture and cultural heritage as intrinsic to and inseparable from the built and living environment, and as an important contribution to sustainable development, including the circular economy, social and territorial cohesion, the environment, the biodiversity and climate targets, prosperity and the well-being of all people in Europe.

| 13. | Facilitate appropriate synergies between the NEB initiative and other processes engaging people in Europe, such as the Conference on the Future of Europe (9), as well as with other strategies and action plans that promote architectural and aesthetic quality, such as the Renovation Wave (10), and accessibility, such as the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 (11). |
| --- | --- |

13.

Facilitate appropriate synergies between the NEB initiative and other processes engaging people in Europe, such as the Conference on the Future of Europe (9), as well as with other strategies and action plans that promote architectural and aesthetic quality, such as the Renovation Wave (10), and accessibility, such as the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030 (11).

| 14. | Contribute to creating a holistic understanding and shared culture of high-quality architecture by further raising awareness, e.g. through formal, non-formal and informal education from an early age on, and by widely promoting and disseminating information about the NEB initiative and the role of culture, high-quality architecture and built environment therein. |
| --- | --- |

14.

Contribute to creating a holistic understanding and shared culture of high-quality architecture by further raising awareness, e.g. through formal, non-formal and informal education from an early age on, and by widely promoting and disseminating information about the NEB initiative and the role of culture, high-quality architecture and built environment therein.

| 15. | Work towards a holistic, inclusive, transdisciplinary, high-quality-led and long-term vision for architecture and the built environment by integrating different policies and expert knowledge in all processes, guidelines and co-creation projects shaping our living environment, including the report of the OMC expert group (12). |
| --- | --- |

15.

Work towards a holistic, inclusive, transdisciplinary, high-quality-led and long-term vision for architecture and the built environment by integrating different policies and expert knowledge in all processes, guidelines and co-creation projects shaping our living environment, including the report of the OMC expert group (12).

| 16. | Take into account a quality-driven approach that includes the quality principles mapped out in the DBQT (13) as the basis for informed choices and decisions throughout the entire lifecycles of built structures and landscape planning and management (conception, investment plans, funding mechanisms, support measures, planning processes, maintenance, refurbishment, conservation, adaptive re-use, demolition and recycling). |
| --- | --- |

16.

Take into account a quality-driven approach that includes the quality principles mapped out in the DBQT (13) as the basis for informed choices and decisions throughout the entire lifecycles of built structures and landscape planning and management (conception, investment plans, funding mechanisms, support measures, planning processes, maintenance, refurbishment, conservation, adaptive re-use, demolition and recycling).

| 17. | Stimulate sustainable growth, liveability and innovation in European urban and rural areas by applying holistic, high-quality criteria, co-creation methods and the ICOMOS principles for the provision of EU financial support to architectural and built-environment projects, where appropriate. |
| --- | --- |

17.

Stimulate sustainable growth, liveability and innovation in European urban and rural areas by applying holistic, high-quality criteria, co-creation methods and the ICOMOS principles for the provision of EU financial support to architectural and built-environment projects, where appropriate.

| 18. | Promote the optimisation of energy efficiency of the existing building stock through a holistic approach, while respecting all DBQT criteria, including the preservation of built heritage. |
| --- | --- |

18.

Promote the optimisation of energy efficiency of the existing building stock through a holistic approach, while respecting all DBQT criteria, including the preservation of built heritage.

| 19. | Explore solutions to enable access to affordable and decent housing, in particular for young people entering the labour market, as well as for other vulnerable social groups. |
| --- | --- |

19.

Explore solutions to enable access to affordable and decent housing, in particular for young people entering the labour market, as well as for other vulnerable social groups.

| 20. | Include the participatory co-creation principles by involving all relevant stakeholders in processes such as decision-making, planning, design and construction concerning the built and living environment and spatial planning at all relevant governance levels. |
| --- | --- |

20.

Include the participatory co-creation principles by involving all relevant stakeholders in processes such as decision-making, planning, design and construction concerning the built and living environment and spatial planning at all relevant governance levels.

| 21. | Promote an approach that respects dialogue between the existing cultural heritage, landscape setting and contemporary creation, including through adaptive re-use where relevant. |
| --- | --- |

21.

Promote an approach that respects dialogue between the existing cultural heritage, landscape setting and contemporary creation, including through adaptive re-use where relevant.

| 22. | Create favourable frameworks for high-quality architecture to underpin public procurement rules, regulatory simplification and innovative procedures that foster a high-quality-based approach over a solely cost-based one by following the best practices for conducting public architecture, landscape architecture and spatial planning competitions. |
| --- | --- |

22.

Create favourable frameworks for high-quality architecture to underpin public procurement rules, regulatory simplification and innovative procedures that foster a high-quality-based approach over a solely cost-based one by following the best practices for conducting public architecture, landscape architecture and spatial planning competitions.

| 23. | Further promote and strengthen the awareness, knowledge and competences of decision-makers and dedicated teams at all relevant governance levels, including technical experts and contractors, in order to enable them to use high-quality criteria and standards in their decisions related to architecture and the built environment for everyone. |
| --- | --- |

23.

Further promote and strengthen the awareness, knowledge and competences of decision-makers and dedicated teams at all relevant governance levels, including technical experts and contractors, in order to enable them to use high-quality criteria and standards in their decisions related to architecture and the built environment for everyone.

| 24. | Promote the best use of relevant EU funding programmes and other available financing tools in order to:






  — | apply and increase high-quality standards in planning, design, building, conservation, restoration, renovation and adaptive re-use processes; |
| --- | --- | --- |

24.

Promote the best use of relevant EU funding programmes and other available financing tools in order to:

—

apply and increase high-quality standards in planning, design, building, conservation, restoration, renovation and adaptive re-use processes;

| — | further improve the training and skills of architects and related professionals such as civil engineers, landscape architects, spatial planners, designers, artists, heritage experts, conservators-restorers, nature conservators, building contractors etc. not only as specialists in individual professions, but also as educators and researchers with an understanding of the broad challenges at stake, in the context of the integration of sustainability, quality of experience and social inclusion. |
| --- | --- |

—

further improve the training and skills of architects and related professionals such as civil engineers, landscape architects, spatial planners, designers, artists, heritage experts, conservators-restorers, nature conservators, building contractors etc. not only as specialists in individual professions, but also as educators and researchers with an understanding of the broad challenges at stake, in the context of the integration of sustainability, quality of experience and social inclusion.

| 25. | Keep the momentum and continue the process of reflection and exchange on the cultural, social, economic and ecological roles of high-quality architecture and built environment. |
| --- | --- |

25.

Keep the momentum and continue the process of reflection and exchange on the cultural, social, economic and ecological roles of high-quality architecture and built environment.

INVITES THE MEMBER STATES TO:

| 26. | Enhance policy coherence for high-quality architecture and built environment through appropriate coordination among all relevant ministries and administration levels, agencies and services in order to embed a quality-based and holistic approach in all policies and activities that have an impact on the built and living environment. |
| --- | --- |

26.

Enhance policy coherence for high-quality architecture and built environment through appropriate coordination among all relevant ministries and administration levels, agencies and services in order to embed a quality-based and holistic approach in all policies and activities that have an impact on the built and living environment.

| 27. | Promote the mainstreaming of the NEB and the circular economy principles and approaches in the national socio-economic and territorial development strategies, including sustainable design and architecture. |
| --- | --- |

27.

Promote the mainstreaming of the NEB and the circular economy principles and approaches in the national socio-economic and territorial development strategies, including sustainable design and architecture.

| 28. | Set up and support, at the appropriate governance levels, advisory expert groups composed of architects and other relevant professionals, such as the State and City Architect Teams (14), as well as quality-driven procedures to ensure or strengthen the inclusion of required professional competences and skills in decision-making processes in order to achieve high-quality outcomes. |
| --- | --- |

28.

Set up and support, at the appropriate governance levels, advisory expert groups composed of architects and other relevant professionals, such as the State and City Architect Teams (14), as well as quality-driven procedures to ensure or strengthen the inclusion of required professional competences and skills in decision-making processes in order to achieve high-quality outcomes.

| 29. | Nominate an entity as a contact point for the NEB initiative and reach out to communities at local level, following a place-based approach (15), in order to involve, as appropriate, all civil society members and relevant stakeholders. |
| --- | --- |

29.

Nominate an entity as a contact point for the NEB initiative and reach out to communities at local level, following a place-based approach (15), in order to involve, as appropriate, all civil society members and relevant stakeholders.

| 30. | Empower and provide appropriate support to actors who promote the cultural and qualitative aspects of the built and living environment to all audiences. |
| --- | --- |

30.

Empower and provide appropriate support to actors who promote the cultural and qualitative aspects of the built and living environment to all audiences.

INVITES THE COMMISSION TO:

| 31. | Facilitate the uptake of the DBQT, with its eight quality criteria, in relevant investments, regulatory frameworks and EU funding programmes, and apply these quality principles as owner, developer and property user. |
| --- | --- |

31.

Facilitate the uptake of the DBQT, with its eight quality criteria, in relevant investments, regulatory frameworks and EU funding programmes, and apply these quality principles as owner, developer and property user.

| 32. | Provide opportunities for research, capacity building and peer learning in the areas of culture, high-quality architecture and built environment for everyone in all relevant EU programmes. |
| --- | --- |

32.

Provide opportunities for research, capacity building and peer learning in the areas of culture, high-quality architecture and built environment for everyone in all relevant EU programmes.

| 33. | Seek synergies among relevant existing and planned EU regulations, programmes and policies with a view to making the green and digital transitions consistent with the NEB principles and objectives, and mainstream cross-disciplinary cooperation and decision-making. |
| --- | --- |

33.

Seek synergies among relevant existing and planned EU regulations, programmes and policies with a view to making the green and digital transitions consistent with the NEB principles and objectives, and mainstream cross-disciplinary cooperation and decision-making.

| 34. | Facilitate information and access to available financial instruments to support projects related to high-quality living environment, including small-scale initiatives on the ground and projects in cultural and creative sectors. |
| --- | --- |

34.

Facilitate information and access to available financial instruments to support projects related to high-quality living environment, including small-scale initiatives on the ground and projects in cultural and creative sectors.

| 35. | Take into account geographic balance, as well as the geographic, climate, economic, social and cultural diversity of the EU, when designing and implementing NEB strategies, projects and actions. |
| --- | --- |

35.

Take into account geographic balance, as well as the geographic, climate, economic, social and cultural diversity of the EU, when designing and implementing NEB strategies, projects and actions.

| 36. | Promote synergies between art, architecture, landscape and interior architecture, spatial planning, design and craftsmanship, as well as innovative training models for architects and other related professionals, including training on cutting-edge digital technology. |
| --- | --- |

36.

Promote synergies between art, architecture, landscape and interior architecture, spatial planning, design and craftsmanship, as well as innovative training models for architects and other related professionals, including training on cutting-edge digital technology.

| 37. | Promote the function of historic sites in enhancing the existing and emerging physical environment of local communities with the use of state-of the art digital technologies in documenting and presenting the built and living environment. |
| --- | --- |

37.

Promote the function of historic sites in enhancing the existing and emerging physical environment of local communities with the use of state-of the art digital technologies in documenting and presenting the built and living environment.

| 38. | Strengthen cross-sectoral awareness and cooperation by promoting the NEB initiative, the Davos Declaration and the ICOMOS Principles among relevant policy sectors, particularly those sectors involved in shaping the built and living environment. |
| --- | --- |

38.

Strengthen cross-sectoral awareness and cooperation by promoting the NEB initiative, the Davos Declaration and the ICOMOS Principles among relevant policy sectors, particularly those sectors involved in shaping the built and living environment.

| 39. | Report on a regular basis to the Council and/or its preparatory bodies, as well as to the entities entrusted as contact points for the NEB, on the implementation progress of the NEB initiative, and facilitate the exchange of best practices among the Member States on its follow-up at national level. |
| --- | --- |

39.

Report on a regular basis to the Council and/or its preparatory bodies, as well as to the entities entrusted as contact points for the NEB, on the implementation progress of the NEB initiative, and facilitate the exchange of best practices among the Member States on its follow-up at national level.

---

(1)  See definition in the Annex.

(2)  As defined by the 8 criteria of the Davos Baukultur Quality Tool.

(3)  As set out in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (see reference in the Annex).

(4)  https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en

(5)  The Bauhaus (Weimar, Dessau and Berlin, 1919–1933) is the 20th century’s most influential School of Architecture, Design and Art.

(6)  Including interior and landscape architecture and spatial planning.

(7)  Open Method of Coordination (OMC) working group of Member States’ experts on high-quality architecture and built environment for everyone.

(8)  European quality principles for EU-funded interventions with potential impact upon cultural heritage - ICOMOS updated edition: https://www.icomos.org/en/about-icomos/committees/regional-activities-europe/90984-quality-principles-new-version-available

(9)  https://futureu.europa.eu/?locale=en

(10)  https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_20_1835

(11)  https://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=738&langId=en&pubId=8376&furtherPubs=yes

(12)  See reference in the Annex.

(13)  Governance, functionality, environment, economy, diversity, context, sense of place and beauty.

(14)  See definition in the Annex.

(15)  See definition in the Annex.

---

ANNEX

A.   REFERENCES

In this context, the Council of the European Union recalls

| 1. | Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union |
| --- | --- |

1.

Article 167 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

| 2. | The work and the report of the OMC group on High-quality architecture and Built Environment for Everyone (2020-2021) https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/bd7cba7e-2680-11ec-bd8e-01aa75ed71a1/language-en |
| --- | --- |

2.

The work and the report of the OMC group on High-quality architecture and Built Environment for Everyone (2020-2021) https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/bd7cba7e-2680-11ec-bd8e-01aa75ed71a1/language-en

| 3. | The 1975 European Charter of the Architectural Heritage |
| --- | --- |

3.

The 1975 European Charter of the Architectural Heritage

| 4. | The Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe - The Granada Convention (1987) |
| --- | --- |

4.

The Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe - The Granada Convention (1987)

| 5. | The 2000 European Landscape Convention |
| --- | --- |

5.

The 2000 European Landscape Convention

| 6. | The Council Resolution of 12 February 2001 on architectural quality in urban and rural environments (OJ C 73, 6.3.2001, p. 6) |
| --- | --- |

6.

The Council Resolution of 12 February 2001 on architectural quality in urban and rural environments (OJ C 73, 6.3.2001, p. 6)

| 7. | The Council conclusions of 13 December 2008 on architecture: culture’s contribution to sustainable development (OJ C 319, 13.12.2008, p. 13) |
| --- | --- |

7.

The Council conclusions of 13 December 2008 on architecture: culture’s contribution to sustainable development (OJ C 319, 13.12.2008, p. 13)

| 8. | The Council conclusions on the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022 (OJ C 460, 21.12.2018, p. 12) |
| --- | --- |

8.

The Council conclusions on the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022 (OJ C 460, 21.12.2018, p. 12)

| 9. | The Council conclusions of 26 November 2012 on Cultural Governance (OJ C 393, 19.12. 2012, p. 8) |
| --- | --- |

9.

The Council conclusions of 26 November 2012 on Cultural Governance (OJ C 393, 19.12. 2012, p. 8)

| 10. | The Joint statement ‘Heritage, Contemporary Architecture and design in Interaction’ adopted at the Riga Conference on 13 March 2015 |
| --- | --- |

10.

The Joint statement ‘Heritage, Contemporary Architecture and design in Interaction’ adopted at the Riga Conference on 13 March 2015

| 11. | The UNGA Resolution of 25 September 2015 on ‘Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ (A/RES/70/01) |
| --- | --- |

11.

The UNGA Resolution of 25 September 2015 on ‘Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’ (A/RES/70/01)

| 12. | The Urban Agenda for the EU – Pact of Amsterdam (launched in 2016) (http://urbanagendaforthe.eu/pactofamsterdam/ ) |
| --- | --- |

12.

The Urban Agenda for the EU – Pact of Amsterdam (launched in 2016) (http://urbanagendaforthe.eu/pactofamsterdam/ )

| 13. | The Commission communication on ‘A long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas - Towards stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas by 2040’ - COM(2021) 345 final |
| --- | --- |

13.

The Commission communication on ‘A long-term Vision for the EU’s Rural Areas - Towards stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas by 2040’ - COM(2021) 345 final

| 14. | The Davos Declaration ‘Towards a European vision of high-quality Baukultur’, adopted at the Conference of Ministers of Culture (Davos, 20-22 January 2018) (https://davosdeclaration2018.ch/media/Context-document-en.pdf ) |
| --- | --- |

14.

The Davos Declaration ‘Towards a European vision of high-quality Baukultur’, adopted at the Conference of Ministers of Culture (Davos, 20-22 January 2018) (https://davosdeclaration2018.ch/media/Context-document-en.pdf )

| 15. | The Davos Baukultur Quality System, published in May 2021 (https://davosdeclaration2018.ch/quality-system/ ) |
| --- | --- |

15.

The Davos Baukultur Quality System, published in May 2021 (https://davosdeclaration2018.ch/quality-system/ )

| 16. | The New Leipzig Charter - The transformative power of cities for the common good, adopted at the Informal Ministerial Meetings organised on 30 November 2020 (https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/newsroom/news/2020/12/12-08-2020-new-leipzig-charter-the-transformative-power-of-cities-for-the-common-good ) |
| --- | --- |

16.

The New Leipzig Charter - The transformative power of cities for the common good, adopted at the Informal Ministerial Meetings organised on 30 November 2020 (https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/newsroom/news/2020/12/12-08-2020-new-leipzig-charter-the-transformative-power-of-cities-for-the-common-good )

| 17. | The ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), ‘European Quality Principles for EU-funded interventions with potential impact upon cultural heritage’ (new version 2021) (http://openarchive.icomos.org/id/eprint/2436/ ) |
| --- | --- |

17.

The ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), ‘European Quality Principles for EU-funded interventions with potential impact upon cultural heritage’ (new version 2021) (http://openarchive.icomos.org/id/eprint/2436/ )

| 18. | The Commission Communication of 14 September 2021 on the New European Bauhaus: Beautiful, Sustainable, Together (doc. 11892/21 + ADD 1 + ADD 2 + ADD 3 – COM(2021) 573 final) |
| --- | --- |

18.

The Commission Communication of 14 September 2021 on the New European Bauhaus: Beautiful, Sustainable, Together (doc. 11892/21 + ADD 1 + ADD 2 + ADD 3 – COM(2021) 573 final)

| 19. | The Council of Europe Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro Convention, 2005) (https://www.coe.int/en/web/culture-and-heritage/faro-convention ) |
| --- | --- |

19.

The Council of Europe Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro Convention, 2005) (https://www.coe.int/en/web/culture-and-heritage/faro-convention )

| 20. | The Territorial Agenda 2030: a future for all places (https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/information/publications/brochures/2021/territorial-agenda-2030-a-future-for-all-places |
| --- | --- |

20.

The Territorial Agenda 2030: a future for all places (https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/information/publications/brochures/2021/territorial-agenda-2030-a-future-for-all-places

B.   DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of these Council conclusions, the following definitions apply:

| — | ‘Baukultur’ (literally ‘building culture’) is a German term for a concept describing all human activity that changes spaces and the living environment in a positive way. It includes existing buildings, including monuments and other elements of built heritage, as well as the design and construction of contemporary buildings, infrastructure, public spaces and landscapes embedded in and relating to the natural environment. Baukultur also refers to planning procedures for building projects, infrastructures, cities, villages and open landscapes, and to traditional and innovative building techniques and methods. There is a broad implicit societal understanding of quality as well as tools, procedures and practices, hence the selective use of the word ‘culture’ in the term. |
| --- | --- |

—

‘Baukultur’ (literally ‘building culture’) is a German term for a concept describing all human activity that changes spaces and the living environment in a positive way. It includes existing buildings, including monuments and other elements of built heritage, as well as the design and construction of contemporary buildings, infrastructure, public spaces and landscapes embedded in and relating to the natural environment. Baukultur also refers to planning procedures for building projects, infrastructures, cities, villages and open landscapes, and to traditional and innovative building techniques and methods. There is a broad implicit societal understanding of quality as well as tools, procedures and practices, hence the selective use of the word ‘culture’ in the term.

| — | ‘Built environment’ is the existing space that surrounds people, which they actively shape and which in turn impacts on people’s life and behaviour. It includes the living environment. |
| --- | --- |

—

‘Built environment’ is the existing space that surrounds people, which they actively shape and which in turn impacts on people’s life and behaviour. It includes the living environment.

| — | ‘Circular design’ is about creating products and services that no longer have a lifecycle with a beginning, a middle and an end. The purpose is to design products that can be used, re-used and recycled, resulting in less resource consumption, less waste and more value added to the ecosystem. Circular design focuses on creating products and services for the circular economy. |
| --- | --- |

—

‘Circular design’ is about creating products and services that no longer have a lifecycle with a beginning, a middle and an end. The purpose is to design products that can be used, re-used and recycled, resulting in less resource consumption, less waste and more value added to the ecosystem. Circular design focuses on creating products and services for the circular economy.

| — | ‘Davos Baukultur Quality System’ is a set of instruments that enables the definition and assessment of ‘Baukultur’ qualities in places incorporating and weighing up social, emotional and cultural values equally to technical and functional aspects, with the help of the following eight criteria: governance, functionality, environment, economy, diversity, context, sense of place and beauty. |
| --- | --- |

—

‘Davos Baukultur Quality System’ is a set of instruments that enables the definition and assessment of ‘Baukultur’ qualities in places incorporating and weighing up social, emotional and cultural values equally to technical and functional aspects, with the help of the following eight criteria: governance, functionality, environment, economy, diversity, context, sense of place and beauty.

| — | ‘Living environment’ is a balanced composition of the artificial and natural environments, which includes both outdoor and indoor spaces. The planning and creation of a sustainable and integrated living environment (urban or, more broadly, spatial design) include planning and designing activities (including spatial planning, architecture, landscape architecture), construction activities and the spatial coordination of other space-related decisions (such as traffic and mobility possibilities, utility services, agriculture etc.), with the goal of improving the living environment for as many people as possible in the long term through spatial decisions. |
| --- | --- |

—

‘Living environment’ is a balanced composition of the artificial and natural environments, which includes both outdoor and indoor spaces. The planning and creation of a sustainable and integrated living environment (urban or, more broadly, spatial design) include planning and designing activities (including spatial planning, architecture, landscape architecture), construction activities and the spatial coordination of other space-related decisions (such as traffic and mobility possibilities, utility services, agriculture etc.), with the goal of improving the living environment for as many people as possible in the long term through spatial decisions.

| — | ‘Place-based approach’ is an approach that targets the specific circumstances of a place and engages the community and a broad range of local organisations from different sectors as active participants in their development and implementation. |
| --- | --- |

—

‘Place-based approach’ is an approach that targets the specific circumstances of a place and engages the community and a broad range of local organisations from different sectors as active participants in their development and implementation.

| — | ‘State Architect and City Architect Teams’ are teams of architects within public administrations whose mission is to provide design leadership and strategic advice to the government, in order to improve the design of public constructions, promote spatial quality and foster a place-making culture. |
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‘State Architect and City Architect Teams’ are teams of architects within public administrations whose mission is to provide design leadership and strategic advice to the government, in order to improve the design of public constructions, promote spatial quality and foster a place-making culture.

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| 13.12.2021 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CI 501/19 |
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13.12.2021

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CI 501/19

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Conclusions of the Council and of the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on safeguarding and creating civic spaces for young people that facilitate meaningful youth participation

(2021/C 501 I/04)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE MEMBER STATES MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL,

RECOGNISING THAT:

| 1. | The European Union and its Member States agreed that cooperation at EU level in the field of youth ‘supports social and civic engagement and aims to ensure that all young people have the necessary resources to take part in society’ (1). |
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1.

The European Union and its Member States agreed that cooperation at EU level in the field of youth ‘supports social and civic engagement and aims to ensure that all young people have the necessary resources to take part in society’ (1).

| 2. | Young people are one of our society’s strengths, as well as being individual’s rights-holders. As such, they have the right to participate meaningfully in development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and following-up of policies that affect them and society at large (2). |
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2.

Young people are one of our society’s strengths, as well as being individual’s rights-holders. As such, they have the right to participate meaningfully in development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and following-up of policies that affect them and society at large (2).

| 3. | ‘A healthy democracy relies on citizen engagement and an active civil society, not only at election time, but all the time. Engaged, informed and empowered young citizens and organisations advocating for their interests are the best guarantee for the resilience of our democracies’ (3), and for the common good. |
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3.

‘A healthy democracy relies on citizen engagement and an active civil society, not only at election time, but all the time. Engaged, informed and empowered young citizens and organisations advocating for their interests are the best guarantee for the resilience of our democracies’ (3), and for the common good.

| 4. | The European Union is founded on values such as democracy, pluralism, equality and the rule of law. Respect for human rights, freedom, non-discrimination, gender equality, tolerance, and the protection of minorities are inalienable cornerstones of the European idea (4). |
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4.

The European Union is founded on values such as democracy, pluralism, equality and the rule of law. Respect for human rights, freedom, non-discrimination, gender equality, tolerance, and the protection of minorities are inalienable cornerstones of the European idea (4).

| 5. | ‘The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its socioeconomic consequences have a growing negative impact on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including on civic space’ (5). |
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5.

‘The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its socioeconomic consequences have a growing negative impact on human rights, democracy and the rule of law, including on civic space’ (5).

| 6. | Further development of young people’s participation in democratic processes in line with the Council Resolution on encouraging political participation of young people in democratic life in Europe (6), the Conclusions of the Council on fostering democratic awareness and democratic engagement among young people in Europe (7) and the Conclusions on strengthening the multilevel governance when promoting the participation of young people in decision-making processes’ (8) will contribute to the strengthening of civic spaces for young people and encourage the engagement of young people within them. |
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6.

Further development of young people’s participation in democratic processes in line with the Council Resolution on encouraging political participation of young people in democratic life in Europe (6), the Conclusions of the Council on fostering democratic awareness and democratic engagement among young people in Europe (7) and the Conclusions on strengthening the multilevel governance when promoting the participation of young people in decision-making processes’ (8) will contribute to the strengthening of civic spaces for young people and encourage the engagement of young people within them.

CONSIDER THAT:

| 7. | Civic spaces for young people are spaces that allow for their meaningful participation in society and are a crucial part of any democratic society (9). They are (online and offline) political, public and social environments that meet a set of legal, policy, institutional and practical conditions for allowing young people to exercise their civic freedoms in terms of accessing information, expressing their views, and forming associations or organisations for participating in public life, with a view to influencing and shaping societies. |
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7.

Civic spaces for young people are spaces that allow for their meaningful participation in society and are a crucial part of any democratic society (9). They are (online and offline) political, public and social environments that meet a set of legal, policy, institutional and practical conditions for allowing young people to exercise their civic freedoms in terms of accessing information, expressing their views, and forming associations or organisations for participating in public life, with a view to influencing and shaping societies.

| 8. | Since civic spaces for young people are dynamic and constantly changing, all democratic and independent organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people are proving to be key actors in promoting youth participation and should therefore be supported and safeguarded. |
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8.

Since civic spaces for young people are dynamic and constantly changing, all democratic and independent organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people are proving to be key actors in promoting youth participation and should therefore be supported and safeguarded.

| 9. | Young people need free, safe, open, accessible inclusive and representative civic spaces that allow them to form associations, to engage in areas related to their needs and interests, regardless of the topic, to speak out on public issues and to participate in public decision-making. |
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9.

Young people need free, safe, open, accessible inclusive and representative civic spaces that allow them to form associations, to engage in areas related to their needs and interests, regardless of the topic, to speak out on public issues and to participate in public decision-making.

| 10. | The active involvement of diverse groups of young people, including vulnerable or seldom heard young people such as young migrants, in range of civic spaces helps them develop the competencies needed for civic engagement. At the same time, it promotes their personal, professional and social development, contributes to European Union values (10), social cohesion, intergenerational collaboration - and ensure that democracy and citizenship reflects the variety of perspectives and the plurality found in society. |
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10.

The active involvement of diverse groups of young people, including vulnerable or seldom heard young people such as young migrants, in range of civic spaces helps them develop the competencies needed for civic engagement. At the same time, it promotes their personal, professional and social development, contributes to European Union values (10), social cohesion, intergenerational collaboration - and ensure that democracy and citizenship reflects the variety of perspectives and the plurality found in society.

| 11. | The involvement of young people in civic spaces has been an ‘important catalyst for various social innovations’ (11) , which shows that these spaces contribute to more democratic and better -informed decision-making processes, thus strengthening the quality of democracy. On the other hand, young people are particularly vulnerable to discrimination and to restriction on civic spaces (12). |
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11.

The involvement of young people in civic spaces has been an ‘important catalyst for various social innovations’ (11) , which shows that these spaces contribute to more democratic and better -informed decision-making processes, thus strengthening the quality of democracy. On the other hand, young people are particularly vulnerable to discrimination and to restriction on civic spaces (12).

| 12. | The shrinking civic space for young people and the reported violations of fundamental and democratic rights are global phenomena that might pose a threat to democracies across Europe, regardless of economic development or geographical location. Studies show that opportunities for youth civil society organisations to participate in policy processes have also been reported as limited (13). |
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12.

The shrinking civic space for young people and the reported violations of fundamental and democratic rights are global phenomena that might pose a threat to democracies across Europe, regardless of economic development or geographical location. Studies show that opportunities for youth civil society organisations to participate in policy processes have also been reported as limited (13).

| 13. | Organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people should be involved in developing key projects on all the topics covered by the 11 European Youth Goals among others. Moreover, these organisations are essential for providing services and support to young people, often complementary to the services provided by the public authorities. |
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13.

Organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people should be involved in developing key projects on all the topics covered by the 11 European Youth Goals among others. Moreover, these organisations are essential for providing services and support to young people, often complementary to the services provided by the public authorities.

| 14. | As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, civic spaces for young people in many countries are shrinking even further, with their online equivalents often being used as the only viable alternative. Some of the lessons learned are positive, for example, where new functionalities have been found in digital spaces, however, the migration to online civic spaces has exposed issues related to the access (infrastructure), ability (competences) and online safety of young people. |
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14.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, civic spaces for young people in many countries are shrinking even further, with their online equivalents often being used as the only viable alternative. Some of the lessons learned are positive, for example, where new functionalities have been found in digital spaces, however, the migration to online civic spaces has exposed issues related to the access (infrastructure), ability (competences) and online safety of young people.

EMPHASISE THAT:

| 15. | A one size-fits-all approach is not appropriate for building an enabling environment to support organisations active in the youth field and with non-formal groups of young people. Universal design, different cultural and geographical backgrounds, structural inequalities, gender inequality and other intervening factors all need to be borne in mind, where these are preventing young people and youth civil society organisations from operating freely and participating in a meaningful way. |
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15.

A one size-fits-all approach is not appropriate for building an enabling environment to support organisations active in the youth field and with non-formal groups of young people. Universal design, different cultural and geographical backgrounds, structural inequalities, gender inequality and other intervening factors all need to be borne in mind, where these are preventing young people and youth civil society organisations from operating freely and participating in a meaningful way.

| 16. | Over-exposure to screens and to online activities have a negative impact on young people’s mental, physical and social health (14). Nonetheless, online civic spaces have provided many young people with an important refuge where they can take advantage of their civic rights, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while health-related matters are one aspect to be borne in mind, online safety and the digital divide (including infrastructure and cognitive barriers) also needs to be addressed. Finding the right balance between online and offline engagement should thus be a priority for all stakeholders when it comes to supporting civic spaces for young people. |
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16.

Over-exposure to screens and to online activities have a negative impact on young people’s mental, physical and social health (14). Nonetheless, online civic spaces have provided many young people with an important refuge where they can take advantage of their civic rights, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while health-related matters are one aspect to be borne in mind, online safety and the digital divide (including infrastructure and cognitive barriers) also needs to be addressed. Finding the right balance between online and offline engagement should thus be a priority for all stakeholders when it comes to supporting civic spaces for young people.

INVITE THE MEMBER STATES, IN LINE WITH THE SUBSIDIARITY PRINCIPLE AND AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVELS, TO:

| 17. | Safeguard and expand civic spaces for all young people, especially those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and put in place additional measures to ensure that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and with fewer opportunities, in particular those from remote and rural areas and those with disabilities, can access and participate in these spaces. Visibility and accessibility of these spaces for young people should also be fostered. |
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17.

Safeguard and expand civic spaces for all young people, especially those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and put in place additional measures to ensure that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and with fewer opportunities, in particular those from remote and rural areas and those with disabilities, can access and participate in these spaces. Visibility and accessibility of these spaces for young people should also be fostered.

| 18. | Address concerns linked to processes and instruments that cause a shortage of free and accessible public spaces, or impose substantial barriers vis-à-vis young people seeking to access and participate in civic spaces, namely commercial tools which use algorithms that deliver personalised marketing, gentrification, rural migration and increased commercialisation of physical and online spaces (15). |
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18.

Address concerns linked to processes and instruments that cause a shortage of free and accessible public spaces, or impose substantial barriers vis-à-vis young people seeking to access and participate in civic spaces, namely commercial tools which use algorithms that deliver personalised marketing, gentrification, rural migration and increased commercialisation of physical and online spaces (15).

| 19. | Address concerns linked to the privacy of young people exercising their civic rights and freedoms, in order to ensure their personal safety and ensure respect for the individual’s rights, which should be promoted in accessible language, and give control over their data, above all through secure and lawful processing of all data that belong to them or is about them as defined in the EU General Data Protection Regulation. |
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19.

Address concerns linked to the privacy of young people exercising their civic rights and freedoms, in order to ensure their personal safety and ensure respect for the individual’s rights, which should be promoted in accessible language, and give control over their data, above all through secure and lawful processing of all data that belong to them or is about them as defined in the EU General Data Protection Regulation.

| 20. | Take into account the barriers to online participation faced by young people (inter alia, access to the internet, digital competences, lack of infrastructures and equipment) and strive to ensure safety of digital youth civic spaces by fostering the digital resilience in particular by strengthening digital and media literacy and awareness of young people, including through safety measures to protect young people from misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, societal polarisation, hate speech and cyberbullying, cyber grooming, etc. |
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20.

Take into account the barriers to online participation faced by young people (inter alia, access to the internet, digital competences, lack of infrastructures and equipment) and strive to ensure safety of digital youth civic spaces by fostering the digital resilience in particular by strengthening digital and media literacy and awareness of young people, including through safety measures to protect young people from misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, societal polarisation, hate speech and cyberbullying, cyber grooming, etc.

| 21. | Recognise educational providers in all learning arenas (formal, non-formal and informal) as key actors for promoting various forms of citizenship education that focus on competences for required active citizenship, which in turn contributes, to a more democratic society. |
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21.

Recognise educational providers in all learning arenas (formal, non-formal and informal) as key actors for promoting various forms of citizenship education that focus on competences for required active citizenship, which in turn contributes, to a more democratic society.

| 22. | Promote civic and political processes and active cooperation between youth organisations and education and training institutions on common projects, inter alia, so as to improve the conditions for existing civic spaces or create new civic spaces, thereby also making a practical contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Youth Goals. |
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22.

Promote civic and political processes and active cooperation between youth organisations and education and training institutions on common projects, inter alia, so as to improve the conditions for existing civic spaces or create new civic spaces, thereby also making a practical contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the European Youth Goals.

| 23. | Commit to and support, where applicable, co-designed and co-managed interactions or communication channels between public authorities and young people through civic spaces, including those supported and maintained by organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people, so as to facilitate a meaningful and diverse representation of young people’s voices and make a tangible impact on the development, implementation and follow-up of policies that are relevant to young people. |
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23.

Commit to and support, where applicable, co-designed and co-managed interactions or communication channels between public authorities and young people through civic spaces, including those supported and maintained by organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people, so as to facilitate a meaningful and diverse representation of young people’s voices and make a tangible impact on the development, implementation and follow-up of policies that are relevant to young people.

INVITE THE MEMBER STATES AND THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS OF COMPETENCE AND AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVELS, WITH DUE REGARD FOR THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY, TO:

| 24. | Strive to safeguard and expand a variety of civic spaces for young people at all levels through sustainable structural funding and, where appropriate, consider project-based funding for organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people. Raise awareness among young people about their civic and political freedoms and the opportunities to enjoy them through their engagement in civic spaces. |
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24.

Strive to safeguard and expand a variety of civic spaces for young people at all levels through sustainable structural funding and, where appropriate, consider project-based funding for organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people. Raise awareness among young people about their civic and political freedoms and the opportunities to enjoy them through their engagement in civic spaces.

| 25. | Support organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people combating hate speech and other threats to their activities, especially as regards the exercise of their freedom of expression, association and assembly. |
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25.

Support organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people combating hate speech and other threats to their activities, especially as regards the exercise of their freedom of expression, association and assembly.

| 26. | Continuously monitor, assess, and support the enabling environment for civic spaces for young people, whilst identifying and addressing threats to these spaces. |
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26.

Continuously monitor, assess, and support the enabling environment for civic spaces for young people, whilst identifying and addressing threats to these spaces.

| 27. | Provide easy access to information in accessible formats and, where appropriate, in youth-friendly language and in accordance with the ‘European Youth Information Charter’ (16)
  , so as to foster transparency and increase the trust of young people in political institutions while also putting in place adequate measures in particular by promoting media literacy to tackle misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, societal polarisation, hate speech, conspiracy theories, cyberbullying and, cyber grooming, etc. |
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27.

Provide easy access to information in accessible formats and, where appropriate, in youth-friendly language and in accordance with the ‘European Youth Information Charter’ (16)
  , so as to foster transparency and increase the trust of young people in political institutions while also putting in place adequate measures in particular by promoting media literacy to tackle misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, societal polarisation, hate speech, conspiracy theories, cyberbullying and, cyber grooming, etc.

| 28. | Increase the institutional outreach to young people (directly or through organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people) by using effective offline and online engagement tools. In addition, use mechanisms co-designed with young people themselves, acknowledged by decision-makers and supported by independent research in order to facilitate the participation of young people in civic spaces and in politics. |
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28.

Increase the institutional outreach to young people (directly or through organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people) by using effective offline and online engagement tools. In addition, use mechanisms co-designed with young people themselves, acknowledged by decision-makers and supported by independent research in order to facilitate the participation of young people in civic spaces and in politics.

| 29. | Examine, where relevant, the effects that commercial tools that use algorithms to deliver personalised marketing have on civic spaces for young people and engage in a dialogue with the providers of these tools to address the effects they may have on civic spaces. Consider adopting necessary, suitable and proportionate measures to tackle any negative effects of commercial tools that cannot be alleviated through dialogue. |
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29.

Examine, where relevant, the effects that commercial tools that use algorithms to deliver personalised marketing have on civic spaces for young people and engage in a dialogue with the providers of these tools to address the effects they may have on civic spaces. Consider adopting necessary, suitable and proportionate measures to tackle any negative effects of commercial tools that cannot be alleviated through dialogue.

| 30. | Support research and monitor the state of civic spaces for young people across the European Union, and at national, regional and local level, including the challenges and threats they are facing and evaluate of the participation of young people in civic spaces. |
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30.

Support research and monitor the state of civic spaces for young people across the European Union, and at national, regional and local level, including the challenges and threats they are facing and evaluate of the participation of young people in civic spaces.

| 31. | Consider giving specific attention to youth civic spaces and basic freedoms of young people within the European Year of Youth 2022. |
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31.

Consider giving specific attention to youth civic spaces and basic freedoms of young people within the European Year of Youth 2022.

INVITE THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO:

| 32. | Support non-commercialised, open, inclusive and safe civic spaces for young people, through different European programmes, including the key programmes in the youth field such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, and across sectors. |
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32.

Support non-commercialised, open, inclusive and safe civic spaces for young people, through different European programmes, including the key programmes in the youth field such as Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps, and across sectors.

| 33. | Further involve young people and organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people in the planning, implementation and following-up of European initiatives that have an impact on their lives such as the New European Bauhaus, the EU Climate Pact and the Conference on the Future of Europe, bearing in mind the role of these initiatives in the provision of civic spaces for young people. |
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33.

Further involve young people and organisations active in the field of youth and non-formal groups of young people in the planning, implementation and following-up of European initiatives that have an impact on their lives such as the New European Bauhaus, the EU Climate Pact and the Conference on the Future of Europe, bearing in mind the role of these initiatives in the provision of civic spaces for young people.

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(1)  Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field: The European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (OJ C 456 , 18.12.2018, p. 1).

(2)  Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on a framework for European cooperation in the youth field: The European Union Youth Strategy 2019-2027 (OJ C 456, 18.12.2018, p. 1).

(3)  Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the European Democracy Action Plan (COM (2020) 790, 3 December 2020, p. 3).

(4)  This paragraph is based on Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union.

(5)  Council conclusions on a human-rights-based post-COVID-19 recovery (6324/21, 22 February 2021).

(6)  Council Resolution on encouraging political participation of young people in democratic life in Europe (OJ C 417, 15.12.2015, p. 10).

(7)  Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on fostering democratic awareness and democratic engagement among young people in Europe (OJ C 415, 1.12.2020, p. 16).

(8)  Conclusions of the Council and of the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on strengthening the multilevel governance when promoting the participation of young people in decision-making processes (OJ C 241, 21.6.2021, p. 3).

(9)  The notion of ’civic spaces for young people’ used in these conclusions is based on the OECD definition of civic spaces for non-governmental actors.

(10)  Consolidated versions of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 1).

(11)  Safeguarding Civic Space for Young People in Europe, European Youth Forum (p. 8)

(12)  Youth Partnership: Tomaž Deželan and Laden Yurttagüler, Pool of European Youth Researchers, Shrinking democratic space for youth, 2021.

(13)  Youth Partnership: Tomaž Deželan and Laden Yurttagüler, Pool of European Youth Researchers, Shrinking democratic space for youth, 2021.

(14)  UNICEF statement, Growing concern for well-being of children and young people amid soaring screen time, 8 February 2021.

(15)  Smith, Neil (1996) The new urban frontier: Gentrification and the revanchist city. London, Routledge. Day, Kristen (1999) Introducing gender to the critique of privatized public space. Journal of Urban Design, Vol.4, No. 2. Kohn, M., (2004) Brave new neighborhoods: The privatization of public space. New York, Routledge.

(16)  The European Youth Information Charter is a set of professional principles and guidelines for youth information and counselling work.

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ANNEX

References

In adopting these conclusions, the Council and the representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council take note of the following documents:

| — | Joint Research Centre: Scientific and Technical Reports, Measuring Civic Competence in Europe, A composite indicator based on IEA Civic Education Study 1999 for 14 years old in School, 2008. |
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Joint Research Centre: Scientific and Technical Reports, Measuring Civic Competence in Europe, A composite indicator based on IEA Civic Education Study 1999 for 14 years old in School, 2008.

| — | Moxon, D. and Bárta, O. (2018), Structured Dialogue Cycle VI Thematic Report: Young People and the EU, European Steering Committee of the 6th Cycle of Structured Dialogue, 2018. |
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Moxon, D. and Bárta, O. (2018), Structured Dialogue Cycle VI Thematic Report: Young People and the EU, European Steering Committee of the 6th Cycle of Structured Dialogue, 2018.

| — | European Commission: Eurobarometer, Future of Europe series, March 2021. |
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European Commission: Eurobarometer, Future of Europe series, March 2021.

| — | European Parliament: Study requested by CULT Committee, Education and youth in post-COVID-19 Europe – crisis effects and policy recommendations, PE 690.872, May 2021. |
| --- | --- |

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European Parliament: Study requested by CULT Committee, Education and youth in post-COVID-19 Europe – crisis effects and policy recommendations, PE 690.872, May 2021.

| — | Youth Partnership: Tomaž Deželan and Laden Yurttagüler, Pool of European Youth Researchers, Shrinking democratic space for youth, 2021. |
| --- | --- |

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Youth Partnership: Tomaž Deželan and Laden Yurttagüler, Pool of European Youth Researchers, Shrinking democratic space for youth, 2021.

| — | Council of Europe, Parliamentary Assembly, Resolution 2096 (2016) How can inappropriate restrictions on NGO activities in Europe be prevented? |
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Council of Europe, Parliamentary Assembly, Resolution 2096 (2016) How can inappropriate restrictions on NGO activities in Europe be prevented?

| — | Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation). |
| --- | --- |

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Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation).

| — | General Assembly of the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency (ERYICA), European Youth Information Charter, adopted in Cascais (Portugal) on 27 April 2018. |
| --- | --- |

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General Assembly of the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency (ERYICA), European Youth Information Charter, adopted in Cascais (Portugal) on 27 April 2018.

| — | Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, European Climate Pact, COM/2020/ 788 final. |
| --- | --- |

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Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions, European Climate Pact, COM/2020/ 788 final.

| — | European Union, Conference of the Future of Europe, webpage Conference on the Future of Europe | European Commission (europa.eu) |
| --- | --- |

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European Union, Conference of the Future of Europe, webpage Conference on the Future of Europe | European Commission (europa.eu)

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