The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe: a platform for intercultural dialogue
Reply to Recommendation
| Doc. 15837
| 02 October 2023
- Author(s):
- Committee of Ministers
- Origin
- Adopted at the 1476th
meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies (27 September 2023). 2023 - Fourth part-session
- Reply to Recommendation
- : Recommendation 2249
(2023)
1. The Committee of
Ministers has carefully examined Parliamentary Assembly
Recommendation 2249 (2023) “The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe: a platform
for intercultural dialogue”. The recommendation has been brought
to the attention of the governments of the member States and forwarded to
the relevant committees for information and possible comments.
Note
2. The importance of cultural heritage for achieving a greater
unity among Europeans is a cornerstone to implementing on the ground
fundamental Council of Europe values. At a time when European societies
face new and profound challenges, cultural heritage has yet again
become a crucial element for the reconstruction of a peaceful and
democratic society, promoting sustainable growth through cultural
tourism recognised as a key element in the processes of sustainable
development, also supporting the member States’ efforts to achieve
the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the promotion of
cultural diversity.
3. With this in mind, the Committee of Ministers is committed
to promoting intercultural dialogue and access to culture across
regions in Europe. The current 47 certified Cultural Routes of the
Council of Europe connect local heritage with a broader historic
exchange of ideas and skills across Europe and encourage collaborative grassroot
initiatives which give people a sense of ownership and pride in
their local heritage as an element of a broader European common
heritage.
4. The Committee of Ministers takes note of the specific invitation
by the Assembly, in paragraph 4.1 of
Resolution 2488 (2023), that the member States of the Council of Europe that
have not yet done so join the Enlarged Partial Agreement (EPA) on
Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.
5. In line with paragraph 5.4 of the recommendation, the Committee
underlines that an adequate information campaign could contribute
to increase the general public’s knowledge of the Cultural Routes
of the Council of Europe, notably by making their label more recognisable
to visitors throughout Europe and more used by the EPA members.
6. The Committee of Ministers also takes note of the specific
invitation by the Assembly, in paragraph 6 of
Resolution 2488 (2023), that the European Union co-operate with the Council
of Europe to support the Cultural Routes Programme, in particular
within the framework of the European Heritage Label initiative and
the EU Macro-Regional Strategies (EUSAIR, EUSALR, EUSBSR, EUSDR),
and develop targeted EU funding programmes for cultural routes that
would be based on clearly established criteria, including the promotion
of key principles, such as the development of democratic participation
and social responsibility, the improvement of the living environment
and quality of life, the management of cultural diversity and the
enhancement of social cohesion through a community and inclusive
approach to cultural heritage.
7. The Committee of Ministers further invites the European Union
to join the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the
Council of Europe, as foreseen in Resolution
CM/Res(2013)66.
8. The Committee of Ministers finally takes note of the specific
invitation by the Assembly, in paragraph 7 of
Resolution 2488 (2023), that the countries having observer or partner for democracy
status with the Assembly join the Enlarged Partial Agreement on
Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.
