European Culture Forum | culture at the heart of Europe's external action

The European Culture Forum in Brussels (19-20 April) saw the announcement of a major new policy framework to place culture at the heart of Europe's external action. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy presented the first ever European Strategy on Cultural Diplomacy, which the High Representative is preparing together with DG Education and Culture Commissioner Tibor Navracsics.

The Joint Communication for a Strategy on International Cultural Relations is to be presented to the European Parliament and the European Council on May 27. The new strategy is expected to create a key role for EU Delegations around the world to propose actions integrating culture and cultural policy with foreign policy and diplomacy.

Federica Mogherini participated in the European Culture Forum in Brussels together with a number of leading European artists, cultural operators and policy makers. In her keynote speech the High Representative stressed "culture has to be at the core of our foreign policy. Culture can help us fight and prevent radicalisation. But it can also foster economic growth. It can strengthen diplomatic relations and mutual understanding. It can help us stand together to common threats".

You can view the inspiring speech by Federica Mogherini here

Read EEAS press release and the full speech

In other news from the European Culture Forum:

The European Commission proposes to organise the European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018

The Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) Culture Department participated in the European Culture Forum with a presentation of its actions in the session on Culture in EU external relations: available and future instruments.

ASEF's excellent work on cultural policy country profiles for Asia was also acknowledged during a plenary session.

A new Cultural Diplomacy Platform has been launched by a consortium of European partners to enhance the European Union’s engagement with third countries and their citizens.

Further information on the Cultural Diplomacy Platform:

"Cultural diplomacy is an integral part of our common foreign policy", said Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign affairs and Security Policy/Vice- President of the European Commission, and thus forms an essential part of how Europe engages with partners around the world.

The Cultural Diplomacy Platform follows the recommendations of the Preparatory Action “Culture in EU’s external relations”, voted for by the European Parliament and implemented by the European Commission in 2013-14. It is designed to strengthen the ability of the EU to engage meaningfully with audiences and stakeholders in third countries, through cultural diplomacy activities, by supporting and advising EU institutions, including the EU Delegations across the globe. It is designed to strengthen the ability of the EU to engage meaningfully with audiences and stakeholders in third countries, through cultural diplomacy activities, by supporting and advising EU institutions, including the EU Delegations across the globe, and by setting up a global cultural leadership programme.

It will also promote and facilitate durable cultural exchanges, people-to-people activities and co-creation processes between Europeans and citizens from countries all over the world. Coinciding with the current reflection on the EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy and the preparation of an EU strategic approach to international cultural relations, the Cultural Diplomacy Platform will ultimately enhance a widespread understanding and visibility of the Union and its role on the world scene.