JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations
Date: 2016-06-08
Institutions: European Commission, European External Action Service
Subjects: EU programme, cultural cooperation, cultural heritage, cultural pluralism, cultural relations, development aid, heritage protection, human rights, international relations

EN 

   EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNION FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY Brussels, 8.6.2016  JOIN(2016) 29 final   JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations  
 
 
1.  CONTEXT 

Cultural diversity is an integral part of the values of the European Union. The EU is strongly 
committed  to  promoting  a  global  order  based  on  peace,  the  rule  of  law,  freedom  of 
expression, mutual understanding and respect for fundamental rights. Accordingly, promoting 
diversity  through  international  cultural  relations  is  an  important  part  of  the  EU's  role  as  a 
global actor. This involves a commitment to both promoting 'international cultural relations', 
through  the  support  and  assistance  the  EU  provides  to  third  countries,  and  supporting  the 
promotion  of  the  Union  and  the  diverse  cultures  of  EU  Member  States  through  'cultural 
diplomacy.'  As  a  key  partner  of  the  United  Nations  (UN),  the  EU  cooperates  closely  with 
UNESCO1 to safeguard the world's cultural heritage.  

The EU has a lot to offer to the world: diversity of cultural expressions, high quality artistic 
creation  and  a  vibrant  creative  industry.  It  also  stands  to  benefit  greatly  from  increased 
exchanges with the rest of the world. At the same time, the EU's experience of diversity and 
pluralism is a considerable asset to promote cultural policies as drivers for peace and socio-
economic development in third countries. This Joint Communication outlines the contribution 
the Union already makes to international cultural relations and proposes ways to develop the 
EU's  international  cultural  relations  in  order  to  advance  the  Union's  objectives  to  promote 
international peace and stability, safeguard diversity, and stimulate jobs and growth.   

In 2007, the Commission proposed a 'European Agenda for Culture in a globalising world'2, 
which included the promotion of culture in the Union's international relations. Since then, the 
entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and the establishment of the European External Action 
Service (EEAS) create a new architecture, which can further enhance the EU's contribution to 
international cultural relations. In recent years, Member States, the European Parliament and 
civil society representatives have requested a more coordinated EU approach to international 
cultural  relations.3 In  November  2015,  the  Council  called  on  the  Commission  and  the  High 
Representative  to  prepare  a  'strategic  approach  to  culture  in  the  EU's  external  relations, 
outlining for this purpose a set of guiding principles.'4 Accordingly, this Joint Communication 
proposes  such  principles,  as  well  as  a  more  strategic  EU  approach  towards  cultural 
diplomacy.  

As a party to the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity 
of cultural expressions5, the EU is committed to promoting the diversity of cultural expression 
as part of its international cultural relations. This reflects and promotes the EU's fundamental 
values, such as human rights, gender equality, democracy, freedom of expression and the rule 
of  law,  as  well  as  cultural  and  linguistic  diversity.6 Culture,  and  in  particular  inter-cultural 
dialogue, can contribute to addressing major global challenges – such as conflict prevention 
and  resolution,  integrating  refugees,  countering  violent  extremism,  and  protecting  cultural 
heritage.  With  the  2014  Communication  on  Cultural  Heritage 7 ,  the  EU  reaffirmed  its 
commitment  to  protect  cultural  heritage,  in  cooperation  with  organisations  such  as  the 

1 The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 
2 Communication on 'European Agenda for Culture in a globalising world' COM(2007) 242 final. 
3 See: Council Conclusions on the promotion of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue in external relations (2008); European 
Parliament’s Resolution on the cultural dimensions of the EUs external action (2011); 2014 EP Preparatory Action 'Culture in EU external 
relations' http://cultureinexternalrelations.eu/ 
4 Outcome of 3428th Council Meeting: Education Youth Culture and Sport, 23-4 November 2015 
5 http://en.unesco.org/creativity/convention/about/2005-convention-text 
6 EU Charter of Fundamental Rights 
7 Communication 'Towards an Integrated approach to the cultural heritage for Europe' COM (2014) 477 final. 

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Council  of  Europe  and  UNESCO.  This  work  remains  urgent  in  view  of  the  destruction  of 
cultural heritage in conflict zones such as Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.  

Cultural  exchanges  can  also  bring  economic  benefits.  Global  trade  in  creative  products  has 
more  than  doubled  between  2004  and  20138,  whilst  culture  is  a  central  element  in  the  new 
economy  driven  by  creativity,  innovation  and  access  to  knowledge.  Cultural  and  creative 
industries  represent  around  3  %  of  the  global  GDP  and  30  million  jobs.9 In  the  EU  alone, 
these  industries  account  for  over  7  million  jobs. 10 Likewise,  in  developing  countries,  the 
cultural  and  creative  sectors  contribute  to  promoting  sustainable  development  and  inclusive 
growth. Culture can therefore help promote job creation and competitiveness both inside the 
EU  and  beyond  its  borders.  This  is  recognised  in  the  UN's  2030  Agenda  for  Sustainable 
Development11, which underlines that culture, including world cultural heritage and creative 
industries,  can  have  an  important  role  in  achieving  inclusive  and  sustainable  development. 
Culture  is  therefore  one  of  the  important  sectors  promoted  as  part  of  the  EU's  development 
cooperation.  

Europe′s  cultural  relations  with  other  countries  are  already  strong.  Member  States  already 
have  extensive  and  long-standing  international  cultural  ties  and  Europe  is  highly  regarded 
around the world for its cultural traditions and creation. In line with requests from the Council 
and the Parliament12, coordinated EU action, based on 'smart complementarity', can contribute 
to  strengthening  these  ties  by  creating  synergies,  pooling  resources,  facilitating  cooperation 
and providing more visibility to these cultural exchanges and actions.13 

This Joint Communication proposes an EU Strategy for International Cultural Relations that 
focuses  on  advancing  cultural  cooperation  with  partner  countries  across  three  main  strands: 
supporting culture as an engine for sustainable social and economic development; promoting 
culture  and  intercultural  dialogue  for  peaceful  inter-community  relations;  reinforcing 
cooperation on cultural heritage. In pursuing these objectives, the EU's International Cultural 
Relations will contribute to making the EU a stronger global actor – a major priority for this 
Commission as well as of the High Representative's forthcoming Global Strategy.  

2.  GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR EU ACTION  

The  following  principles  should  guide  EU  action  in  the  field  of  international  cultural 
relations:  

(a)  Promote cultural diversity and respect for human rights  

The  EU  is  firmly  committed  to  fostering  cultural  diversity,  which  can  be  protected  and 
promoted only if human rights and fundamental freedoms are guaranteed. These fundamental 
rights constitute essential foundations for democracy, rule of law, peace, stability, sustainable 
inclusive development and participation in public affairs. States have an obligation to respect, 
protect  and  promote  the  rights  to  freedom  of  opinion  and  expression,  including  artistic 

8 The Globalisation of Cultural Trade: A Shift in Cultural Consumption--International flows of cultural goods and services 2004-2013, 
UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 2016. 
9 Cultural Times, report by CISAC and UNESCO, 2015. 
10 Ibidem. 
11https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/21252030%20Agenda%20for%20Sustainable%20Development%20web.pdf 
12 http://cultureinexternalrelations.eu/  
13 Studies suggest the EU should engage in Cultural Diplomacy activities drawing on the very positive perceptions of European and Member 
States’ culture, arts and history. http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/showcases/eu_perceptions_study_en.htm  

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expression. In this regard, and in line with its obligations under EU and international law14, 
the  EU  is  therefore  committed  to  promoting  a  tolerant,  pluralistic  approach  to  international 
cultural relations.15 

(b) Foster Mutual Respect and Inter-Cultural Dialogue  

In  order  to  fully  realise  the  potential  bridging  role  of  culture  in  international  relations,  it  is 
necessary to go beyond projecting the diversity of European cultures, and aim at generating a 
new  spirit  of  dialogue,  mutual  listening  and  learning,  joint  capacity-building  and  global 
solidarity. 16 Cultural  relations  should  take  account  of  regional  differences  and  local 
sensitivities,  tailoring  action  to  particular  cultural  contexts  and  interests.  Since  people 
frequently engage across borders using digital tools, communication between peoples should 
be  encouraged  to  take  place  under  conditions  of  respect  and  equality  and  in  a  spirit  of 
partnership. Reciprocity, mutual learning and co-creation should therefore underpin the EU’s 
international cultural relations.  

(c) Ensure respect for Complementarity and Subsidiarity  

The proposed EU Strategy for International Cultural Relations rests within full respect for the 
respective spheres of competence of the EU and its Member States. According to Article 6 of 
the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in the area of culture the Union 
shall have competence to carry out actions to support, coordinate or supplement the actions of 
the Member States. Article 167 (3) TFEU states that the Union and the Member States shall 
foster  cooperation  with  third  countries  and  the  competent  international  organisations  in  the 
sphere  of  culture.  Furthermore,  according  to  Article  167  (4)  TFEU,  the  Union  shall  take 
cultural  aspects  into  account  in  its  action  under  other  provisions  of  the  Treaties.  In 
development cooperation, the EU and its Member States complement and reinforce each other 
(Article 208 TFEU). In full respect for the principle of subsidiarity, the EU acts to promote 
international  cultural  relations  when  it  can  be  more  effective  than  action  taken  at  national, 
regional or local level. Recent Council Conclusions on Culture in the EU's external relations 
noted  that  there  is  'a  need  for  a  better  coordination  of  efforts  towards  a  strategic  European 
approach.' 17  Accordingly,  the  EU  can  act  as  an  enabler  and  contribute  by  encouraging 
synergies between and cooperation among national cultural institutes and foundations, as well 
as private and public enterprises worldwide, as appropriate.  

(d) 

Encourage a cross-cutting approach to culture 

Culture is not just about the arts or literature. It spans a wide range of policies and activities, 
from inter-cultural dialogue to tourism, from education and research to the creative industries, 
from  protecting  heritage  to  promoting  creative  industries  and  new  technologies,  and  from 
artisanship  to  development  cooperation.  The  proposed  strategy  therefore  encourages 
opportunities  to  promote  culture  within  the  EU's  external  policies.  Culture  is  also  a  key 
element of sustainable development insofar as the creative sector can promote reconciliation, 
growth and freedom of expression on which other fundamental freedoms can be built.  

14 Articles 2, 6, 21, 49 of TEU and articles 7, 8, 10, 11, 22 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. All EU Member States are State Parties 
to ICCPR and ECHR. 
15 See also the EU Human Rights Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline (doc. 9647/14). 
16 As recommended by the Preparatory Action on 'Culture in EU External Relations' initiated by the European parliament and published in 
2014: http://cultureinexternalrelations.eu/main-outcomes/ and by 'A strategy for EU-China cultural relations: report of the expert group on 
culture and external relations – China' (November 2012). 
17 Council Conclusions on Culture in the EU's external relations with a focus on culture in development cooperation. 24 November 2015 

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(e) Promote culture through existing frameworks for cooperation18  

To ensure policy coherence and avoid duplication, the most effective way to promote culture 
within  the  EU's  external  relations  is  to  use  existing  cooperation  frameworks  and  financing 
instruments.  The  EU  has  developed  tailor-made  frameworks  for  thematic  and  geographic 
cooperation, along with dedicated financing instruments:  

Thematic programmes  

  Partnership Instrument (PI): one of its aims is to enhance 'widespread understanding and 
visibility  of  the  Union…  by  means  of  public  diplomacy,  people-to-people  contacts, 
cooperation  in  educational  and  academic  matters,  think  tank  cooperation  and  outreach 
activities to promote the Union's values and interests.'19  

  European  Instrument  for  Democracy  and  Human  Rights  (EIDHR):  this  provides 
assistance to the development and consolidation of democracy, the rule of law and respect 
for  human  rights  and  fundamental  freedoms.  One  of  the  aims  of  this  instrument  is  to 
promote  freedom  of  opinion  and  expression,  including  political,  artistic  and  cultural 
expression.20  

  The  Global  Public  Goods  and  Challenges  Programme  under 

the  Development 
Cooperation Instrument (DCI) aims under its human development component to promote 
cultural diversity and respect for the equal dignity of all cultures. It will also stimulate the 
contribution  of  cultural  industries  to  economic  growth  in  developing  countries,  civil 
society organisations and local authorities). 

   Instrument  contributing  to  Stability  and  Peace  (IcSP):  this  aims  to  promote  conflict 
prevention,  crisis  response,  peacebuilding  in  order  to  address  global  and  trans-regional 
threats:  cultural  organisations  are  included  within  the  definition  of  civil  society  for 
funding under this instrument.21  

   Creative  Europe  Programme:  this  aims  inter  alia  to  'promote  Europe's  cultural  heritage 
and strengthen the competitiveness of the European cultural and creative sectors' and the 
programme  is  also  'open  for  bilateral  or  multilateral  cooperation  actions  with  third 
countries.'22  

Geographic frameworks for cooperation 

   Enlargement  Policy:  as  candidate  countries  and  potential  candidates,  the  Western 
Balkans23 and  Turkey  have  a  special  place  and  importance  in  EU  external  policies.  EU 
policies  in  the  field  of  culture  are  part  of  the  'EU  acquis'  that  candidates  need  to 
implement  under  negotiating  Chapter  26  on  Education  and  Culture.  In  this  context,  the 
region receives support under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). The EU 

18 Examples of specific actions and projects do not prejudge the implementation of new projects in line with this strategy. On the other hand, 
references to on-going projects or programmes do not imply their permanent financing. 
19 Regulation (EU) No 234/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 Establishing A Partnership Instrument For 
Cooperation With Third Countries. 
20 Regulation (EU) No 235/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 Establishing a Financing Instrument For 
Democracy And Human Rights Worldwide. 
21 Regulation (EU) No 230/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 Establishing An Instrument Contributing 
To Stability And Peace. 
22 Regulation (EU) No 1295/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 establishing the Creative Europe 
Programme (2014 to 2020). 
23 Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia. 

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has  long  supported  cultural  projects  in  the  Western  Balkans  to  promote  inter-cultural 
dialogue, reconciliation and socio-economic development. In the context of the 'Ljubljana 
Process  I  and  II',  an  action  jointly  conducted  by  the  European  Commission  and  the 
Council of Europe, significant resources were invested in rehabilitating cultural heritage 
in south-eastern Europe.24 Cultural organisations within the Enlargement countries benefit 
from EU policy cooperation to build their capacities, as well as from the full participation 
in  the  Culture  and  Creative  Europe  Programmes. 25  The  Enlargement  Countries  are 
currently  facing  new  challenges,  including  the  integration  of  newly  arrived  migrants, 
where  inter-cultural  dialogue  can  promote  reconciliation  and  inclusive  and  democratic 
societies, and  help  counter radicalisation. The  EU should  continue working closely with 
Enlargement countries to help protect their cultural heritage, promote the development of 
their cultural and creative industries, and foster their participation in existing EU cultural 
programmes.  

   European  Neighbourhood  Policy:  the  ENP  governs  the  EU's  relations  with  16  of  its 
closest  Eastern  and  Southern  Neighbours.  A  differentiated  bilateral  approach  to  each 
partner  country  is  complemented  by  regional  cooperation  initiatives  in  the  Southern 
Mediterranean26 and Eastern Partnership.27 Political, economic and cultural differentiation 
and greater mutual ownership are key elements of the renewed ENP.28.Platform 4 of the 
Eastern  Partnership  serves  as  a  forum  for  enhanced  cooperation  and  policy  dialogue  in 
fields such as education, youth (including employability), culture and creativity, research 
and innovation, audio-visual policies and information society, while specific programmes 
support  capacity  building.  In  the  Southern  Mediterranean,  the  EU  supports  cultural 
cooperation through regional programmes on heritage and audio-visual, but also through 
bilateral  activities.  Many  ENP  countries  face  protracted  challenges  such  as  political 
tension,  economic  upheaval,  violent  radicalisation  and  migratory  flows.  Particularly  in 
this  context,  cultural  cooperation  and  exchange  on  cultural  policies  can  contribute  to 
stabilisation. For example, the European Neighbourhood Instrument is providing EUR 17 
million  between  2014  and  2017  to  support  media  and  culture  for  development  in  the 
Southern  Mediterranean  region.29 Furthermore,  the  preservation  of  culture  and  cultural 
heritage is supported in five Cross-border cooperation (CBC) programmes. 30 

  Development  Cooperation:  The  Development  Cooperation  Instrument  (DCI)  aims  to 
reduce poverty and foster sustainable economic, social and environmental development as 
well  as  promoting  democracy,  the  rule  of  law,  good  governance  and  respect  for  human 
rights. 31  It  includes  three  specific  components:  i)  geographic  programmes  supporting 
cooperation with around 47 developing countries in Latin America, South Asia and North 
and  South  East  Asia,  Central  Asia,  Middle  East  and  South  Africa;  ii)  the  newly 
established Pan-African  Programme to  support the  strategic partnership between the EU 
and Africa. Several sections of the DCI Regulation acknowledge the role of culture. 

24 EU  actions  in  this  field  in  Bosnia  and  Kosovo  have  shown  the  potential  of  heritage-based  policies  for  re-conciliation  in  post-conflict 
situations, in addition to their contribution to economic development. 
25 As  envisaged  in  Article  8.3  of  Regulation  1295/2013  of  11  December  3013  establishing  the  Creative  Europe  programme.  List  of 
participating non-EU countries: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe/library/eligibility-organisations-non-eu-countries_en  
26 Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine*, Syria  and Tunisia. 
27 Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. 
28 Joint Communication 'Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy (18 November 2015). JOIN(2015) 50 final. 
29 http://www.enpi-info.eu/mainmed.php?id=486&id_type=10  
30 http://www.enpi-info.eu/maineast.php?id=322&id_type=10  
31 Regulation (EU) No 233/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 Establishing A Financing Instrument For 
Development Cooperation For The Period 2014-2020. 

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  The  Cotonou  Partnership  Agreement  signed  in  June  2000 32  provided  a  twenty-year 
framework for the EU's cooperation with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. 
Under  this  agreement,  the  European  Development  Fund  (EDF)  finances  cultural 
programmes that are managed and implemented by the Secretariat of the ACP Group of 
States. The 9th EDF funded projects to strengthen the technical, financial and managerial 
capacities  of  creative  industries  in  ACP  countries  and  more  specifically  to  develop  and 
structure the ACP States cinema and audiovisual industries (EUR 14 million). Thereafter, 
the ACP Cultures+ (EUR 30 million under the 10th EDF) contributed to the fight against 
poverty  by  fostering  sustainable  cultural  industries.  The  current  Intra  ACP  Programme 
continues supporting the cultural and creative industries (EUR 40 million under the 11th 
EDF in the period 2014-2020). The Commission is currently exploring the framework that 
will govern relations with ACP countries after the expiration of the Cotonou Partnership 
Agreement.  Preparations  for  a  revised  European  Consensus  for  Development  are 
underway.   

3.  ADVANCING CULTURAL COOPERATION WITH PARTNER COUNTRIES  

As part of the proposed EU Strategy for International Cultural Relations, the Commission and 
the  High  Representative  propose  the  following  three  work  streams  to  advance  international 
cultural relations with partner countries: 

  supporting culture as an engine for sustainable social and economic development 

  promoting culture and intercultural dialogue for peaceful inter-community relations 

 

reinforcing cooperation on cultural heritage  

3.1. Supporting culture as an engine for social and economic development 

(a) Supporting the development of cultural policies 

The 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural 
Expressions33 emphasises  'the  need  to  incorporate  culture  as  a  strategic  element  in  national 
and international development policies, as well as in international development cooperation.' 
The  respect  for  cultural  diversity  and  freedom  of  expression  that  is  fostered  by  culture 
provides  important  support  for  democratisation  processes  and  socio-economic  development. 
Accordingly,  the  EU  should  help  partner  countries  incorporate  culture  in  national  policies. 
The  EU  works  to  advance  the  ratification  and  implementation  of  the  2005  UNESCO 
Convention by deepening policy dialogues with partner countries and strengthening systems 
of governance. 

  Share  experience  with  enlargement  and  neighbourhood  countries:  the  EU  will  use 
existing  bilateral  or  multilateral  structures  for  dialogue  to  share  experiences  and  results, 
including  initiatives  such  as  the  European  Capitals  of  Culture.  The  Commission  will 
promote the use of instruments such as TAIEX34 and twinning in the area of culture.  

32 https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/acp/overview/cotonou-agreement/index_en.htm_en 
33 http://en.unesco.org/creativity/convention/about/2005-convention-text 
34  TAIEX  is  the  Technical  Assistance  and  Information  Exchange  instrument  of  the  European  Commission.  TAIEX  supports  public 
administrations with regard to the approximation, application and enforcement of EU legislation as well as facilitating the sharing of EU best 
practices. 

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  Strengthen cultural policies: in the Southern Neighbourhood, Med Culture (2014-2018) 
supports  partner  countries  in  the  development  of  cultural  policies  and  practices,  while 
MedFilm,  a  new  three-year  capacity-building  programme,  helps  filmmakers  to  tackle 
sensitive issues on a regional level.35  

(b) Strengthening cultural and creative industries  

As a dynamic economic sector, cultural and creative industries are an important provider of 
quality  jobs  and  often  promote  smart,  sustainable  and  inclusive  growth.  Investments  in 
cultural projects contribute to the competiveness, attractiveness and social cohesion of cities 
and regions.36 Over 70 EU regions have chosen culture and creative industries as a priority for 
their smart specialisation strategies, recognising these industries as drivers of regional growth 
and local jobs. 

In  developing  countries,  UNESCO's  Culture  for  Development  Indicators  (CDIS)  show  that 
culture  contributes  1.5  %  -  5.7  %  of  GDP  in  low  and  middle-income  countries  –  reflecting 
differences  in  the  policy  and  institutional  framework,  the  level  of  social  participation  and 
education  and  the  degree  of  freedom  of  expression.  For  example,  in  Burkina  Faso  over 
170,000  people  (approximately  2  %  of  the  active  population),  have  occupations  related  to 
culture.  Every  country  has  its  strengths:  from  Nigeria's  cinema  industry,  to  music  in  the 
Caribbean and to cultural tourism in the Middle East.  To support further progress, the EU can 
share expertise on further developing relevant skills and a sound regulatory framework.  

  Increase  economic  revenues  from  creative  industries:  The  11th  EDF  Intra-ACP 
programme  will  support  the  contribution  of  cultural  industries  to  the  socio-economic 
development of ACP countries (EUR 40 million 2014-2020) 

  Creative  hubs  and  clusters:  in  the  global  cultural  industries,  co-creation  is  the  way 
forward. European and other international cultural players should find new ways to grow 
and win global audiences. Creative hubs and clusters are being set up in different regions 
including: 

  The  Asia-Europe  Foundation 37  is  co-funded  by  the  EU  and  supports  Asia-
Europe Cultural and Creative Hubs under the 'Creative Networks' Programme. 

 

 

In  the  Southern  Mediterranean:  the  EU  is  supporting  a  project  to  develop 
clusters  in  the  cultural  and  creative  industries  (2013-17)  with  UNIDO  (United 
Nations Industrial Development Organisation). 

In  2016,  the  EU  launched  an  action  under  the  Creative  Europe  programme  to 
develop  a  European  Network  of  Creative  Hubs38,  which includes  all countries 
participating  in  the  'Creative  Europe'  programme  (including  Serbia,  Moldova, 
Turkey, Georgia and Ukraine). 

  From  2016,  an  EU  pilot  project  is  supporting  networking  between  young 
creative  and  cultural  entrepreneurs  from  the  EU  and  third  countries.  The 
platform  includes services such as coaching, peer-learning activities, conferences 

35 http://www.enpi-info.eu/medportal/news/latest/45210/MedFilm:-Call-for-proposals-to-promote-development-of-film-industry-in-
Southern-Mediterranean 
36 The European Capitals of Culture provide a very good example: each euro of public money invested, for instance, in Lille 2004 (France) is 
estimated to have generated 8 euros for the local economy. 
37 http://www.asef.org/ 
38 http://ec.europa.eu/culture/news/2016/0405-european-network-creative-hubs_en.htm 

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on  specific  topics,  study  visits  and  meetings  with  potential  investors  around  the 
world.39 

  Entrepreneurship  and  skills  development:  the  European  Training  Foundation 40  will 
continue  working on  skills  development  for  cultural  and  creative  industries.  The  ACP 
Cultures+ programme aims to build the capacities of culture sector professionals in ACP 
countries.41 The  EU  aims  to  foster  market  opportunities  for  cultural  goods  and  services, 
encourage  innovation  and  new  professions  in  modern  technologies  while  supporting  the 
training of creative professionals.  

  Support to European Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): for example, as part of 
the Gateway programmes launched in 2016, the Commission can support creative SMEs 
in  South  Korea  and  South-East  Asia  through  business  missions  and  support  services, 
including coaching, and logistical and financial support. 

  Structured  territorial  cooperation  frameworks:  there  are  several  examples  of  how 
culture  can  connect  diversified  regions,  contribute  to  sustainable  tourism,  preserve  the 
environment  and  promote  energy  efficiency. 42  All  strategies  address  culture  as  an 
investment for growth and jobs and as a pillar of economic activity under the European 
Territorial Cooperation goal.   

(c) Supporting the role of local authorities in partner countries 

The  European  Capitals  of  Culture  and  the  World  Cities  Culture  Report  201543 demonstrate 
the  significant  return  -  in  terms  of  growth  and  social  cohesion  -  for  cities  and  other  local 
authorities that invest in culture. The Commission's Joint Research Centre is developing a tool 
for monitoring cultural and creative initiatives at city level, which will support more targeted 
investments and learning from best practices. A recent external study which maps current and 
prospective  cultural  actions  for  development44 confirmed  that  cultural  activities  boost  local 
development  dynamics,  not  least  in  rural  areas  where  traditional  skills  and  arts  can  help 
alleviate poverty. 

The  EU's  approach  to  sustainable  urban  development  recognises  the  central  role  of  culture 
and  considers  the  availability  of  public  space  for  all  citizens  as  essential.  For  example,  in 
Latin American countries, the EU has promoted the distribution of audio-visual programmes 
to  tackle  social  issues  arising  from  inequalities  in  urbanised  regions.  Another  example  in 
Africa  illustrates  how  art  and  architecture  can  make  urban  development  inclusive  and 
sustainable45. 

  Innovative partnerships: funded under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI), 
this  initiative  with  local  authorities  has  a  special  focus  on  least  developed  countries 
including  fragile  democratic  contexts  or  countries  where  cultural  rights  are  threatened. 
Another  project  under  the  Multiannual  indicative  programme  for  Latin America  aims  to 
develop the role of culture and the  arts in support of social cohesion in Latin American 

39 http://ec.europa.eu/culture/calls/general/2015-eac-s11_en.htm 
40 www.etf.europa.eu/ 
41 This Intra-ACP Support Programme is funded under the European Development Fund (EDF): http://www.acpculturesplus.eu/?lang=uk 
42 These include: the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) of 10 June 2009, COM(2009) 248; the EU Strategy for Danube 
Region (EUSDR) of 08 December 2010, COM(2010) 715; the Action Plan for a Maritime Strategy in the Atlantic area, Delivering smart, 
sustainable and inclusive growth, of 13 May 2013, COM(2013) 279; the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) of 17 
June 2014, COM(2014) 357; and the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) of 28 July 2015, COM(2015) 366. 
43 http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/creative-europe/actions/capitals-culture_en.htm and http://www.worldcitiescultureforum.com/publications 
44 The study notably identifies suggestions for the 'Global Public Goods and Challenges Programme' (30 million). 
45 EU-African Union Project 'Visionary Africa'. 

9 

 
                                                 
cities.  The  project  facilitates  exchanges  and  joint  actions  between  the  EU  and  Latin 
America  to  better  integrate  cultural  policies  and  initiatives  in  urban  development 
strategies, building on successful projects supporting social cohesion.  

  Support  cultural  city  twinning:  the Commission promotes the role of cities as hubs of 
innovation and best practice by twinning towns and cultural sites that share similar social, 
economic and environmental problems to explore potential opportunities for development. 
The  Commission  plans  to  launch  regional  programmes  with  Latin  America  (particularly 
with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, CELAC), promoting social 
cohesion through culture and the arts in large cities.46 

  Share Capitals of Culture: the Commission will share with partner countries experiences 
regarding  European  Capitals  of  Culture,  which  enhance  cultural  heritage  and  thereby 
support local and regional development. 

  Urban  strategies  in  historic  towns:  funded  under  the  European  Neighbourhood 
Instrument  (ENI),  the  EU  supports  municipalities  in  developing  urban  strategies  for  the 
rehabilitation of historic towns. 

3.2.  Promoting  culture  and  inter-cultural  dialogue  for  peaceful  inter-community 
relations 

Inter-cultural  dialogue,  including  inter-religious  dialogue,  can  help  promote  the  building  of 
fair, peaceful and inclusive societies that value cultural diversity and respect for human rights. 
By  establishing  common  ground  and  a  favourable  environment  for  further  exchanges, 
intercultural  dialogue  can  defuse  tensions,  prevent  crises  from  escalating,  promote  national 
reconciliation,  and  encourage  new  narratives  to  counter  radicalisation.  This  section  outlines 
how  the  EU  can  directly  promote  inter-cultural  dialogue  through  international  cultural 
cooperation  projects,  co-creation,  people-to-people  exchanges,  social  debate  and  peace 
building.  

(a) Support cooperation amongst cultural operators  

Cooperation,  dialogue  and  mobility  amongst  cultural  operators,  artists  are  key  aspects  of 
inter-cultural  dialogue.  The  circulation  of  works  of  art  and  cultural  productions  between 
countries  spreads  new  ideas,  establishes  direct  and  indirect  ties,  and  fosters  innovation. 
Strengthened cultural cooperation with the EU's partners can help open the 'European cultural 
space' to new cultural players and audiences. 

  Encourage  participation  in  Creative  Europe:  while  all  Enlargement  countries  can 
already  participate,  the  Commission  encourages  all  ENP  countries  to  join  the  Creative 
Europe  programme  (Georgia,  Moldova  and  Ukraine  already  participate) 47 .  Creative 
Europe enables cultural and creative operators from ENP countries to work together with 
counterparts  from  all  over  Europe  and  access  funding  for  cooperation  projects  and  join 
European cultural networks.  

  Promote Culture within the Eastern Partnership: following the success of Programme 
I  that  ran  from  2011-2015,  the  Eastern  Partnership  Culture  Programme  II  (involving 
Armenia,  Azerbaijan,  Belarus,  Georgia,  Moldova  and  Ukraine)  will  further  develop  the 

46 'Culture and Arts supporting social cohesion in Latin America cities'. 
47 To participate fully in the MEDIA sub-programme a country must meet the requirements set out in the Audiovisual Media Services 
Directive  

10 

 
                                                 
cultural  operators'  skills  and  capacities  during  a  three-year  period.  It  seeks  to  support 
regional  initiatives  in  which  culture  contributes  to  economic  development,  social 
inclusion, conflict resolution and intercultural dialogue.  

  Support  the  Anna  Lindh  Foundation:  the  Anna  Lindh  Foundation  and  its  network  of 
over  4,000  civil  society  organisations  throughout  the  42  countries  of  the  Union  for  the 
Mediterranean  benefits  from  EU  policy  support  and  tools  for  the  promotion  of  cultural 
exchange.  

 (b) Fostering Peace-building through Inter-Cultural Dialogue  

Inter-cultural dialogue is an important tool in the prevention of conflicts and the promotion of 
reconciliation and mutual understanding in post-conflict societies. The EU supports pragmatic 
cooperation  and  inter-cultural  dialogue  between  different  cultures  and  societies.  It  also 
supports  processes  of  reconciliation  between  peoples  and  minorities.  Particularly  successful 
examples  are  Bosnia-Herzegovina's  progress  towards  EU  integration  and  the  pragmatic 
agreements reached as part of the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue.  

  Instrument  contributing  to  Stability  and  Peace  (IcSP)  –  the  EU  will  enhance  its 

support for inter-cultural dialogue in pre- and post-conflict situations.  

  Youth  inter-cultural  dialogue:  the  EU  will  facilitate  inter-cultural  dialogue  among 
youth organisations in Europe and elsewhere (including through programmes such as 
the Neighbourhood Civil Society Fellowships). In particular, the EU will support the 
second  phase  of  the  Young  Arab  Voices  programme  (now  expanded  to  cover  the 
Euro-Mediterranean  region)  to  deepen  the  dialogue  between  young  leaders  and  civil 
society representatives and counter extremism and violent radicalisation. 

  Training  for  observers  of  Election  Observations  Missions  and  staff  to  be 
deployed in civilian stabilisation missions: to ensure full awareness of the prevailing 
local cultural sensitivities, training courses will be provided.  

  Promoting cultural rights: including local identity and indigenous rights, as well as 
the  role  of  cultural  rights  defenders,  in  line  with  the  International  Covenant  on 
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights48, including the rights of indigenous peoples as 
defined  in  the  United  Nations  Declaration  on  the  Rights  of  Indigenous  Peoples 
(UNDRIP)49.  

3.3 Reinforcing cooperation on cultural heritage 

Cultural heritage is an important manifestation of cultural diversity that needs to be protected. 
Rehabilitating and promoting cultural heritage attracts tourism and boosts economic growth. 
Cooperation  on  cultural  heritage  plays  an  important  role  in  international  relations  and  in 
development policies as outlined in the Commission Communication: 'Towards an integrated 
approach  to  cultural  heritage  for  Europe.'50 Given  the  growing  global  demand  for  expertise, 
and  the  fact  that  many  Member  States  are  willing  to  share  their  knowledge,  there  are 
opportunities  for  joint  action  with  partner  countries  to  develop  sustainable  strategies  for 
heritage protection through training, skills development and knowledge transfer.  

48 http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CESCR.aspx 
49 http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unpfii/documents/DRIPS_en.pdf 
50 COM(2014)477final. 

11 

 
                                                 
Cultural  heritage  is  fragile  and  often  threatened  by  natural  disasters,  man-made  destruction 
such as wars, looting and pillaging, sometimes motivated by sectarian hatred. Looted artefacts 
are often sold and the revenues generated by these transactions can be used to support terrorist 
activities:  this  impoverishes  the  world's  cultural  heritage.  The  EU  has  adopted  restrictive 
measures  towards  Syria  and  transposed  UN  sanctions  against  Daesh/ISIL  and  Al-Qaida,  as 
well as the UN sanctions regime for Iraq: these include a ban on illegal trade in cultural and 
archaeological artefacts.51  

  Research  on  cultural  heritage:  Horizon  2020  supports  research  and  innovation  for 
cultural  heritage  activities  through  multinational,  interdisciplinary  projects  that  also 
engage  local  and  regional  authorities,  businesses  and  civil  society,  aiming  at  new 
solutions  for  the  preservation  and  management  of  cultural  heritage  in  Europe  that  is 
jeopardised by climate change. Participation from non-EU countries is encouraged.  

  Combat trafficking of heritage: the Commission is planning a legislative proposal to 
regulate  the  import  into  the  EU  of  cultural  goods,  based  on  the  results  of  a  recently 
launched study to identify gaps in national legislation. The Commission will consider 
a wider response to combatting terrorist finance via illicit trafficking in cultural goods 
– whatever the country of provenance. Potential action includes the introduction of a 
certification  system  for  the  import  of  cultural  goods  into  the  EU  coupled  with 
guidance  to  stakeholders  such  as  museums  and  the  art  market.52 The  EU  intends  to 
support  the  training  of  customs  officers  at  border  controls  to  promote  the  early 
detection  of  stolen  artefacts  and  encourage  cooperation  among  art  market 
professionals  in  the  fight  against  illicit  trafficking.  The  EU  will  also  enhance 
cooperation with partner countries to combat the trafficking of cultural goods.  

  Protect  heritage:  The  Commission  will  contribute  to  international  efforts,  led  by 
UNESCO, to set up a rapid reaction mechanism for the protection of cultural heritage 
sites.  The  Commission  will  also  share  with  UNESCO,  inter  alia  through  the 
Copernicus  Emergency  Management  Service,  satellite  imagery  of  cultural  heritage 
sites at risk in order to evaluate damage and plan possible reconstruction. The EU will 
include  expertise  to  assess  damages  to  cultural  heritage  as  part  of  post-disaster  and 
post-conflict  recovery  measures.  The  EU  Regional  Fund  in  Response  to  the  Syrian 
Crisis  will  also  contribute  to  protecting  cultural  heritage  and  promoting  cultural 
diversity.  

4.  A STRATEGIC EU APPROACH TO CULTURAL DIPLOMACY 

To advance successful cooperation with partner countries in the three work streams proposed, 
it is important for the relevant EU stakeholders to join forces to ensure complementarity and 
synergies.  This  includes  government  at  all  levels,  local  cultural  organisations  and  civil 
society,  the  Commission  and  the  High  Representative  (through  EU  Delegations  in  third 
countries), Member States and their cultural institutes.53 The 2007 Communication on Culture 

51 EU  transposed  UNSC  sanctions  regime  against  ISIL  (Daesh)  and  Al-Qaida  (as  set  out  in  UNSCR  1267)  and  subsequent  resolutions, 
including  UNSCR  2253  (2015).  Since  archaeological  artefacts  are  to  be  considered  economic  resources  for  ISIL/Da'esh,  the  purchase  of 
those items from ISIL/Da'esh is unlawful. The Council has transposed the UN sanctions regime against Iraq (which contains a trade ban on 
illegally removed archaeological artefacts) and has adapted the autonomous EU sanctions regime and restrictive measures against Syria to 
specifically include the trade ban on archaeological artefacts illegally removed from Syria. 
52 Action Plan for strengthening the fight against terrorist financing, COM(2016) 50/2. 
53 A recent example in Tunisia demonstrates close cooperation between the EU Delegation, a Member State's cultural institute and the local 
authorities: the Commission launched a EUR 10 million programme to strengthen the audio-visual/media sector in Tunisia. Another project 
(EUR 4million), managed by the EU Delegation with the support of the British Council, will be launched later this year to promote cultural 
involvement at local level. 

12 

 
                                                 
advocated  the  Open  Method  of  Coordination  (OMC)  in  the  field  of  culture,  as  a  light  but 
structured  way  for  EU  Member  States  cooperate  at  European  level.54 In  2012,  a  Member 
States  expert  group,  co-chaired  by  the  Commission  and  the  European  External  Action 
Service,  explored  the  development  of  a  strategic  approach  to  culture  in  the  EU's  external 
relations.  The  report  of  the  expert  group  highlighted  the  benefit  of  EU  cultural  engagement 
with  partner  countries  through  new,  strategic  ways  of  working  together  with  the  Member 
States.55 The  European  Parliament  subsequently  initiated  the  Preparatory  Action  'Culture  in 
EU external relations', which advocated a 'smart complementarity' based on mutually agreed 
cooperation between Member States, notably via their cultural institutes and attachés abroad, 
and  with  civil  society.56 The  EEAS  now  runs  139  EU  Delegations  and  Offices  operating 
around  the  world,  which  represent  the  EU  and  its  citizens  globally.  The  potential  for 
cooperation and coordination to advance the EU's cultural diplomacy is considerable. 

(a) Enhanced EU Cooperation  

A concerted approach would allow European actors to pool resources and achieve economies 
of scale by working together in non-EU countries. A recent study by the European Parliament 
demonstrated  the  many  benefits  of  close  cooperation  for  the  EU  delegations,  cultural 
institutes and EUNIC clusters57: joint projects are less risky, have greater impact and are more 
visible, with greater opportunities for learning.58 

  A Cultural Diplomacy Platform: this was established in February 2016 and funded 
by the Partnership Instrument (PI). It is operated by a consortium of Member States' 
Cultural Institutes and other partners.59It will issue advice on cultural policy, facilitate 
networking,  carry  out  activities  with  cultural  stakeholders,  Member  States  and  EU 
delegations, develop training programmes for cultural leadership, and contribute to the 
development of the EU's international cultural relations. 

  Enhanced  cooperation  with  Cultural  Institutes:  following  consultation  with  all 
relevant  stakeholders,  the  Commission  will  propose  later  this  year  a  new  type  of 
partnership between the EEAS, Commission services, national cultural institutes and 
their umbrella organisation (where mandates allow), setting out the principles of pan-
European cooperation and the values that underpin it. 

  Enhanced role of EU Delegations: delegations will act as local platforms for cultural 
institutes and other stakeholders in facilitating coordination and cooperation. The EU 
Delegations  can  help  identify  local  needs  and  opportunities,  ensuring  that  actions  fit 
with  local  cultural  contexts,  while  simultaneously  serving  the  EU's  strategic 
objectives.  Cultural  focal  points  in  major  EU  delegations  will  disseminate  best 
practice  and  provide training  on  the cultural  dimension  of  development  and  external 
relations for staff.  

  Establishing  European  Culture  Houses:  they  would  be  based  on  a  partnership 
between  the  EU  and  the  partner  country  in  question  and  would  enable  cultural 
institutes  and  other  stakeholders  to  come  together  and  provide  services  to  the  local 

54 Since 2008, OMC groups have worked on issues such as: Cultural and Creative Industries (including new business models and export 
strategies); mobility of artists and culture professionals; mobility of works of art; improving access to culture via digital means.  
55 The report was also the basis for the EU Ministers of Culture's debate on culture as a soft policy option on 17 May 2013. 
56 http://cultureinexternalrelations.eu/  
57 EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) is an umbrella network. It counts 34 Cultural Institutes amongst its members 
from 28 countries and 100 clusters spread around the world. http://www.eunic-online.eu/ 
58 European Parliament study – European Cultural Institutes Abroad, January 2016.   
59 EEAS and Commission are part of the Steering Committee. See http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/fpi/announcements/news/20160401_l_en.htm. 

13 

 
                                                 
population,  engage  in  joint  projects  and  offer  scholarships,  cultural  and  educational 
exchanges.  

  Promoting active civil society: many stakeholders (e.g. civil society, artists, cultural 
operators, grass roots organizations) are involved in cultural relations between the EU 
and  third  countries.  In  bilateral  relations  and  appropriate  thematic  programmes,  the 
EU will therefore seek to strengthen its support to civil society organisations active in 
the cultural field in partner countries.in order to build up their capacity and facilitate 
exchanges. 

  Joint EU cultural events: supporting joint European cultural activities is an excellent 
way  to  enhance  the  visibility  of  the  EU  in  third  countries.  A  new  two-year  scheme 
with a budget of EUR 1.5 million to organise EU film festivals in a more coherent and 
strategic way will be launched in 2017 (following a study published in 2015) under the 
new PI action for Global Public Diplomacy.60 At present, over 75 EU delegations are 
involved  in  running  film  festivals  and  other  activities,  such  as  the  European  Day  of 
Languages, with different levels of cooperation with national cultural institutes.  

  Focus on strategic partners: many of the EU's strategic partners have strong cultural 
diplomacy  strategies 61 and  the  EU  has  strong  cultural  cooperation  with  several 
partners. The Euro-American Cultural Foundation62 was established in 2013 to provide 
more  structured  funding  to  EU  cultural  programmes  and  strengthen  cultural  bonds 
between  the  USA  and  EU  (including  the  Delegation  and  Member  States).  In  South 
Africa,  the  EU  is  supporting  young  artists,  audio-visual  producers,  musicians  and 
sportspeople.  Bilateral  relations  with  China  have  included  the  people-to-people 
dimension since 2012.63 

(b) Inter-cultural exchanges of students, researchers and alumni 

The  EU's  mobility  and  inter-university  cooperation  programmes  are  invaluable  instruments 
for establishing lasting academic and cultural ties, which simultaneously promote the EU in 
partner  countries.  A  2014  survey 64  carried  out  by  the  Executive  Agency  Education, 
Audiovisual  and  Culture  (EACEA)  showed  that  54  %  of  students  and  staff  who  benefitted 
from Erasmus Mundus mobility rated the experience as having the biggest influence on their 
intercultural skills and competences.  

International  research  cooperation  uses  the  universal  language  of  science  to  maintain  open 
channels  of  communication  and  enable  researchers  to  exchange  ideas  regardless  of  their 
cultural,  national  or  religious  backgrounds.  Horizon  2020,  the  world's  largest  multilateral 
research  and  innovation  programme,  funds  research  and  innovation  on  cultural  relations, 
science  diplomacy  and  cultural  heritage.  Horizon  2020  also  helps  partner  countries  to 
maximise the contribution of education to growth, social stability and development. 

Youth  exchanges,  European  Voluntary  Service 65 ,  training  for  young  people  and  youth 
workers  and  networking  between  them  involve  mobility  for  young  people  between  the  EU 
and  neighbouring  countries.  In  2015,  over  33,000  young  people  and  youth  workers 

60 https://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/en/news/european-film-festivals-unique-opportunity-eu-cultural-diplomacy 
61 Examples include China, Japan ('Cool Japan') and South Korea (with the Korean new wave 'Hallyu').  
62 http://e-acf.org/ 
63 http://ec.europa.eu/education/international-cooperation/china_en.htm 
64 http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/education_culture/more_info/evaluations/docs/education/mundus2012-summary_en.pdf 
65 https://europa.eu/youth/EU/voluntary-activities/european-voluntary-service_en 

14 

 
                                                 
participated  in  these  joint  activities:  about  40  %  were  from  neighbouring  countries.  The 
Commission is exploring how cooperation in the field of sport can contribute to international 
relations, through a high-level group expected to deliver its report in June 2016. 

  Promote mobility of researchers: through the Marie Curie-Sklodowska Actions, the 
EU intends to fund 65,000 researchers between 2014 and 2020. This includes 25,000 
doctoral candidates and will enable 15,000 researchers from outside Europe to begin 
or pursue their careers in Europe by 2020. 

  Exchange of  students and staff and new joint projects: the EU intends to finance 
over 150,000 scholarships for students and staff involving Europe and other parts of 
the world between 2014 and 2020. It will fund about 1,000 joint projects involving EU 
and non-EU universities and youth organisations between 2014 and 2020.66  

  Alumni and EU studies networks: the Commission will support the establishment of 
Erasmus+  alumni  groups  in  partner  countries  and  cooperation  between  these  groups 
and EU delegation. It will combine networking efforts at national and European level 
and  support  the  integration  of  EU  Centres  in  the  450  Jean  Monnet  Centres  of 
Excellence, and promote networking between them. Worldwide, EU studies will reach 
over 250,000 students every year through teaching and outreach activities. 

5.  CONCLUSIONS 

The  global  cultural  landscape  has  changed  rapidly  over  the  last  few  decades.  Demand  for 
exchanges and inter-cultural cooperation has increased in pace with the digital revolution. In a 
world  faced  with  many  challenges  and  conflicts,  culture  has  great  potential  to  overcome 
divisions,  strengthen  fragile  societies,  and  improve  international  relations.  Europe  is 
perceived  in  the  world  as  a  continent  rich  in  cultural  heritage,  and  vibrant  creative  forces. 
Culture should therefore be an integral part of the external action of the European Union.  

This Joint Communication proposed three pillars to advance work towards an EU Strategy for 
international  cultural  relations.  First,  the  proposed  guiding  principles  for  EU  action  aim  to 
ensure  that  EU  action  in  this  area  promotes  human  rights,  diversity,  inter-cultural  dialogue 
while  respecting  subsidiarity  and  complementarity  and  retaining  policy  coherence  by 
promoting culture  within existing partnership frameworks. The second pillar proposed three 
main  strands  to  provide  a  focus  for  advancing  cultural  cooperation  with  partner  countries, 
including:  i)  supporting  culture  as  an  engine  for  sustainable  social  and  economic 
development;  ii)  promoting  culture  and  intercultural  dialogue  for  peaceful  inter-community 
relations; iii) reinforcing cooperation on cultural heritage. The third pillar proposes a strategic 
EU  approach  to  cultural  diplomacy:  including  enhanced  European  cooperation  (notably 
between EU Member States and EU Delegations) and inter-cultural exchanges to promote the 
diverse cultures of the EU.  

Building  on  the  above  three  pillars,  proposed  as  part  of  an  'EU  strategy  for  international 
cultural relations', will help further develop channels of communication between peoples and 
societies.  It  will  help  create  a  conducive  environment  for  cultural  and  creative  industries  to 
continue  expanding,  creating  growth  and  employment.  It  will  strengthen  the  protection  and 
promotion  of  cultural  heritage,  stimulate  inter-cultural  dialogue  and  peace-building,  support 
cultural  production  and  tourism  as  drivers  of  development  and  economic  growth,  and  use 

66 http://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/ 

15 

 
 
                                                 
education, research and  science as agents for dialogue and exchanges. These actions should 
contribute to making the European Union a stronger global actor, a better international partner 
and a stronger contributor to sustainable growth, peace and mutual understanding.   

16