MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
25.3.2009
pursuant to Rule 108(5) of the Rules of Procedure
by Helga Trüpel and Gisela Kallenbach
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
on the role of culture in the development of European regions
See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B6-0166/2009
B6‑0168/2009
European Parliament resolution on the role of culture in the development of European regions
The European Parliament,
– having regard to the Council Conclusions of 24 May 2007 on the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors to the achievement of the placeCityLisbon objectives,
– having regard to actions in the field of culture under the Culture 2007 programme (2007-2013),
– having regard to actions in the field of regional policy, in the context of the implementation of Structural Funds 2007-2013 and of the URBACT and INTERREG programmes 2007-2013,
– having regard to its resolution of 10 April 2008 on a European agenda for culture in a globalising world[1],
– having regard to its resolution of 10 April 2008 on cultural industries in placeEurope[2],
– having regard to Rule 108(5) of its Rules of Procedure,
A. whereas culture is an important element in sustainable regional and urban development as it is a crucial factor for regional and local identity, while fully respecting cultural and linguistic diversity,
B. whereas cultural, creative and arts industries are a growing branch of and a stimulus to regional and local economies, and small and medium-sized enterprises in the creative sector are drivers of modernisation, job creation and innovation in European regions and cities,
C. whereas creativity and innovation require both a supportive and a demanding environment, as well as development and training opportunities, which can best be provided locally,
D. whereas many regional and local authorities have developed a strategy, with the participation of civil society partners, to promote culture and creativity, support culture and creative industries and create an environment that stimulates the local economy, urban regeneration, the housing market and, in particular, local labour markets, and that promotes a new spirit of innovation and governance and the knowledge society,
E. whereas culture also serves as a catalyst for social inclusion and democracy in European regions and cities, particularly when based on civil society initiatives,
F. whereas the concept of sustainable development should include a cultural dimension,
1. Stresses that regional and local development strategies that incorporate culture, creativity and arts make a substantial contribution to improving the quality of life in European regions and cities by fostering cultural diversity, democracy, participation and intercultural dialogue;
2. Calls on the Commission to promote tailor-made and regionally or locally adapted projects as these are the most effective and sustainable projects for regional and urban development;
3. Calls on the Commission to secure the full involvement of civil society partners in all cultural actions organised or co-financed by the EU; proposes to take the partnership principle under Article 11 of Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 (general structural fund regulation) as a model for civil society participation;
4. Calls on the Commission to organise the exchange of best practices in the field of cultural actions and to bring the relevant actors from the public, private and civil society sectors together to improve networking;
5. Expects the Commission to present the study on the influence of culture at regional and local levels to Parliament at the earliest opportunity, together with the conclusions and actions which the Commission intends to draw from it;
6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and the Committee of Regions.
- [1] Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0124.
- [2] Texts adopted, P6_TA(2008)0123.