Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations

Culture is at the heart of EU international relations and the Joint Communication adopted on 8 June 2016 aims at encouraging cultural cooperation between the EU and its partner countries and promoting...

Culture is at the heart of EU international relations and the Joint Communication adopted on 8 June 2016 aims at encouraging cultural cooperation between the EU and its partner countries and promoting a global order based on peace, the rule of law, freedom of expression, mutual understanding and respect for fundamental values.

This Communication proposes a strategic framework for deeper and more effective international cultural relations as well as a new model for cooperation with Member States, national cultural institutes, private and public operators from the EU and its partner countries, increasing opportunities, creating synergies and maximising socio-economic benefits.

For the implementation of this Strategy, the EU can count on its 139 Delegations and Offices operating around the world, which already carry out an enormous number of cultural activities in their host countries. The EU (delegations) will act as an enabler and encourage synergies and cooperation between national cultural institutes and foundations, and private and public enterprises worldwide.

An EU Cultural Diplomacy Platform was set up in February 2016 to support the implementation of the Strategy.

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