Committee of the Regions – Stakeholders’ Consultation

On 16 January 2013, Astrid Weij, Europa Nostra Council member, and Louise van Rijckevorsel, Staff member responsible for the Europa Nostra Liaison Office in Brussels, took part in the Stakeholders’ Consultation by Rapporteur Mr. Anton Rombouts (NL/EPP, Chair of the EDUC Commission), for the Committee of the Regions’ opinion on the European Commission communication on “Promoting cultural and creative sectors for growth and jobs in the EU”.

The Rapporteur stressed : “It is necessary to say to the European Commission that promoting cultural and creative sectors is not only good for the economy, but also for the cultural sector itself, for the social dimension of the EU, for the social inclusion and cohesion and for what it brings to people’s lives. It brings people together, encourages an open-minded attitude and not to fear of what’s different. That is growth.”

On this occasion, Europa Nostra stressed once again the intrinsic value of cultural heritage, as well as its economic and social importance, including for growth and job creation.

In time of difficulties to boost growth and jobs the potentials that the cultural and creative sectors can bring to achieve the Europe 2020 Strategy are often underestimated even if their economic performances are recognised. Indeed from cultural heritage, artistic crafts and to architecture and design, festivals, film, television and music they are covering a range variety of jobs matching for 3.3% of GDP and employing 6.7 million people.

The opinion of the Rapporteur was presented to the Education, Youth, Culture and Research Commission of the Committee of the Regions at its meeting on 25 February. The adoption is foreseen for the plenary session of 30-31 May 2013.

For more information:
http://cor.europa.eu/en/news/highlights/Pages/lra-role-creative-sectors-growth.aspx