CULTURAL HERITAGE COUNTS FOR EUROPE

“Not everything that counts can be measured,
and not everything that can be measured, counts”
(Albert Einstein)

CONTENTS

I. The cultural dimension of the European integration process needs to be further enhanced

II. Cultural heritage has multiple benefits for Europe today

III. A structured dialogue with the organised civil society as an asset

IV. Towards a comprehensive EU strategy and action benefiting cultural heritage

V. EU action directly linked to culture and cultural heritage

VI. For an enhanced cooperation and coordination of action with international organisations

VII. Concluding remarks


FOREWORD

“Europe isn't just an economic area to be administered. It is first and foremost an original civilisation which has to be reinvigorated by the shock of the Union.”
Hendrik Brugmans, founding rector of the College of Europe in Bruges

As Europe prepares itself for its new role in the 21st century, it has to make full use of all its resources. Renewing its constitutional structure, enlarging the EU, developing an active citizenship, asserting its place in the modern world, building a constructive relationship with other European countries and neighbouring regions, improving the competitiveness of Europe’s economy, coping with rapid technological and societal change, promoting sustainable development and ensuring the protection of its environment – these are hard tests for the stability, prosperity and coherence of Europe.

Europe and especially its most dynamic political force, the European Union, will succeed in its mission only if these complex processes are accompanied by a growing conviction of all its citizens of belonging to a common civilisation.  Recognising our common cultural heritage - most visible and tangible in historical buildings and cultural landscapes - and preserving it for present and future generations ought to become one of the important political challenges also for the EU.

This paper presents Europa Nostra's latest contribution to the re-emerging debate on a cultural dimension of EU policy.  It calls for a comprehensive and coherent EU strategy especially in the field of cultural heritage by making full use of the "complementary competences" under the present EU-treaty and the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe .  It should encompass EU action in its cultural programmes as well as in all other areas having a direct or indirect impact on cultural heritage.  We have been encouraged by the clear policy statements of the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, at the very beginning of his five-year term and by large public debates encouraged by the successive EU presidencies of the The Netherlands and Luxembourg , as well as by German and French governments. 

Such an EU heritage strategy needs to be developed in close consultation with the organised civil society committed to the safeguard of our cultural heritage.  These local, regional and national organisations represent – on the grass roots level – the mostly voluntary work of millions of Europeans who care for our common cultural heritage. They know that heritage is central to their identity and quality of life, to the economic and social development and regeneration, the cohesion and the liveability of their cities, regions and nations.  A credible EU strategy in this field could persuade them that the EU really cares for the daily life of its citizens.  It would help them to recognise and enjoy the common cultural area of Europe and develop their sense of civic responsibility as European citizens.  An EU heritage strategy will, of course, have to take fully into account the experience of international organisations in this field, such as the Council of Europe and UNESCO. 

Europa Nostra stands ready to contribute to such an EU strategy by serving as intermediary organisation and voice of the European civil society in the field of heritage conservation, education and enhancement.

Otto von der Gablentz, Executive President of Europa Nostra, June 2005