Culture drives economic growth in Europe
The EU Education, Youth and Culture Council discussed audiovisual, cultural and youth affairs today in Brussels. The meeting was chaired by the Finnish Minister of Culture, Ms Tanja Saarela. The meeting continues tomorrow with education issues, to be chaired by Minister of Education, Mr Antti Kalliomäki.
The Council designated the cities of Essen (Germany), Pécs (Hungary) and Istanbul (Turkey) as European Capitals of Culture for 2010. The Council appointed Mr Thomas Angyan (Austria) and Mr Seppo Kimanen (Finland) to the selection panel that will prepare a report on the candidates for 2011 Capitals of Culture. Candidates for 2011 will come from Finland and Estonia.
The Council had an exchange of views on the economy of culture in Europe which is one of the priorities in the current Council Work Plan for Culture 2005-2006. The Ministers highlighted the importance of statistics illustrating the links between the European competitiveness and culture. The economic growth will increasingly depend on the investments in culture and creativity - which should be recognised in the Lisbon objectives.
The Council adopted conclusions on digitisation and on-line accessibility of cultural material and digital preservation. The Ministers expressed their commitment to work towards the digitisation of cultural material (books, journals, newspapers, photographs, museum objects, archival documents, audiovisual material) - thereby contributing to the European Digital Library.
The Ministers discussed on better understanding and knowledge of youth in order to provide a fresh impetus to the implementation of the common objectives. It was highlighted by the Ministers that research, relevant for youth policy, should be undertaken in close cooperation with all actors in the youth field. The research topics should be solidly rooted in young people's everyday lives. It was also emphasized that the Member States should pursue their work to create knowledge bases on youth issues, whilst also focusing on the priorities outlined in the European Youth Pact.
The Presidency press conference can be followed live and later as a recording at http://www.eu2006.fi/webcasts (in English).
Further information
- culture: Risto Kivelä, Special Government Advisor, mobile +358 40 547 3273
- audiovisual: Jukka Liedes, Director, mobile +358 40 543 0333
- youth: Seija Astala, Counsellor for Cultural Affairs, mobile +358 40 515 5818