As the European Union's executive body, the Commission is responsible for the implementation of the policies adopted by Parliament and the Council. The EU Treaty (Article 151, paragraph 4) requires the Union to take culture into account in all its actions so as to foster intercultural respect and promote diversity.

Cultural Policy:

In May 2007, the Commission proposed an agenda for Culture founded on three common sets of objectives:

promotion of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue;

promotion of culture as catalyst for creativity; and

promotion of culture as a key element in EU external relations. 

This Agenda was endorsed by the Council in its Resolution of November 2007 and then, a first, by the European Council in its conclusions of December 2007.

As a means of better coordination the Council work plan for culture 2008-2010 was developed in order to support Member States in their efforts to implement the cultural policy's ends. Additionally five Working groups on key issues of European Cultural Policy were set up:

Working group on mobility

Working group on cultural and creative industries

Working group on education and culture

Working group on museum activities

Working group on statistics.

For further information please consult the website "Culture" of the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/culture/index_en.htm

 

See also: European Council, European Union, Lifelong Learning Programme