2008 - European Year of Intercultural Dialogue

This year, 2008, is the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. In relation to this initiative, the European Commission’s external cooperation info point organised a conference ‘Culture: a new pillar for development?’ in the middle of January.

The conference was the first time representatives from four Directorates General (DG Development, DG External Relations, DG EuropeAid and DG Education and Culture) had gathered to talk specifically about culture and development, from their different perspectives.

Mr Xavier Troussard (DG Education and Culture) started by noting that culture has only recently been on the European agenda as a priority. This came about following a communication ‘on a European agenda for culture in a globalizing world’ in May 2007.

Mr Daniel Guyader (DG External Relations) built on this and added that the reason culture had not been a priority was the weak legal basis, which has gradually been strengthened over the last fifty years. There are now cultural aspects included in agreements reached with partners countries (including ENP - European Neighbourhood Policy- Action Plans for those in the EU’s neighbourhood).

Mr Anthoney Crasner (DG Development) underlined the fundamental importance of culture to development. He said that communication was important, and open to misunderstanding even between individuals of the same culture, so when different cultures are involved it is vital. He gave examples of EU actions in different countries, where culture had provided a barrier to communication and understanding.

Ms Nathalie Legrand (DG EuropeAid) summarised the budget that is for the promotion of culture in developing regions, and spoke about the 9th and 10th EDF (European Development Fund), which include funds for the promotion of culture. She talked about the place of culture in regional programmes, including in the EU’s neighbourhood.

The conference provided an opportunity for NGO representatives to put questions to the four speakers, and a range of topics were raised. One problem that was not explicitly noted was that the term ‘culture’ had not been defined at the outset, so different speakers were referring to different concepts – culture as societal rules and behaviours; or culture as promotion of the arts.

Further information about 2008, the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue can be found here: http://www.interculturaldialogue2008.eu/


Information provided by Rebecca Steel, TRIALOG