Council conclusions on the contribution of culture to local and regional development

Council of the European Union,
10 May 2010, Belgium

At the 3013th EDUCATION, YOUTH AND CULTURE meeting of the Council Meeting held in Brussels, 10 May 2010 the council adopted a number of conclusions supporting the contribution of culture to local and regional development.

THE COUNCIL AGREES THAT:

– there is an evident link between culture, creativity and innovation contributing to social and
economic progress. Therefore, it is essential to consolidate the contribution of culture,
especially the cultural and creative industries, to the “ Europe 2020 strategy” for smart,
sustainable and inclusive growth.

CONSIDERS THAT IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN THE CONTRIBUTION OF CULTURE TO
LOCAL AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IT IS NECESSARY TO:

– mainstream culture as a strategic and crosscutting element into European and national
policies for the social and economic development of European regions and cities.

– encourage strategic investment in culture and cultural and creative industries, in particular
SMEs, at local and regional level, in order to foster creative and dynamic societies.

– foster the contribution of culture to sustainable tourism, as a key factor for local and regional
attractiveness and economic development, as well as a driver for highlighting the importance
of cultural heritage in Europe.

– raise awareness among decision-makers on local and regional policies that develop new
competences through culture and creativity adapted to the current fast-changing
environment, with a view to developing new skills, improving human capital and fostering
social cohesion.

– strengthen crossborder, transnational and interregional cultural initiatives as a means of
linking the diverse peoples and regions of Europe and strengthening economic, social and
territorial cohesion.

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/educ/114325.pdf