The European Parliament,

–   having regard to the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions,

–   having regard to the Council Conclusions of 24 May 2007 on the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors to the achievement of the Lisbon objectives(1),

–   having regard to Decision No 1855/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 establishing the Culture Programme (2007 to 2013)(2),

–   having regard to its resolution of 10 April 2008 on cultural industries in Europe(3),

–   having regard to its resolution of 10 April 2008 on a European agenda for culture in a globalising world(4),

–   having regard to Rule 108(5) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.   whereas the cultural soul of Europe is becoming increasingly important as a means of bringing European citizens together in a manner which respects differing cultural and linguistic identities,

B.   whereas the cultures of Europe are strategic factors in Europe's development at local, regional and national levels, as well as at the level of its central European institutions,

C.   whereas cities and regions are becoming European players as they share the European idea and contribute to the development of the European Union,

D.   whereas cultural projects based on civil-society initiatives appear to be effective in strengthening and developing the regions,

E.   whereas regional conferences are an excellent way for civil society to put forward their projects and proposals, exchange best practices and conduct dialogue between responsible parties,

1.  Stresses that regional and local development strategies that incorporate culture, creativity and the arts contribute very much to improving quality of life in European regions and cities by fostering cultural diversity, democracy, participation and intercultural dialogue;

2.  Calls on the Commission to present a Green Paper with a possible range of measures for contemporary cultural activities aimed at strengthening cultural development in European regions;

3.  Calls on the Commission together with regional authorities and local civil society to support regional conferences;

4.  Calls for action and awareness campaigns about the role of cultural projects for regional development;

5.  Calls on the parties concerned to work towards speedy and efficient implementation of such projects;

6.  Expects the Commission at the earliest opportunity to present to Parliament the study on the influence of culture at regional and local levels, together with the conclusions and actions which the Commission intends to draw from it;

7.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and the Committee of the Regions.

(1) OJ C 311, 21.12.2007, p. 7. (2) OJ L 372, 27.12.2006, p. 1. (3) Text adopted, P6_TA(2008)0123. (4) Text adopted, P6_TA(2008)0124.