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2.3 EU Policy In terms of diversity

EU policies promoting cultural diversity

The European Union’s action in the field of culture supplements Member States’ cultural policy in various
areas: for example, the preservation of European cultural heritage, cooperation between various countries’
cultural institutions, and the promotion of mobility among those working creatively.

On 22 May 2018 the Commission adopted a New European Agenda for Culture, continuing the provision of
the strategic framework for EU action in the cultural sector. The New Agenda proposes three strategic
objectives: 1) harnessing the power of culture for social cohesion and well-being; 2) supporting
culture-based creativity in education and innovation, and for jobs and growth; 3) strengthening
international cultural relations. It is realised through a new Work Plan for Culture (2019-2022), adopted by
the Council on 27 November 2018. This Plan for Culture sets out five priorities: 1) sustainability in cultural
heritage; 2) cohesion and well-being; 3) an ecosystem supporting artists, cultural and creative
professionals and European content; 4) gender equality; and 5) international cultural relations. The
priorities are put into practice in 17 concrete actions . Moreover, numerous EU programmes and initiatives
1
were put in action in order to share and spread information about European cultures: Creative Europe,
European Capitals of Culture (ECoCs), European Heritage Label, Unlawful removal of cultural objects and
various prizes.

EU policy promoting religious diversity

Since 11 September 2001, the European Union has been increasingly confronted by religious crises in
a world in which globalisation is reshaping religious demography. In addition, religion plays an important
role in the internal and external policies of some key EU partners. In 2013, the EU published guidelines to
mainstream its approach to the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). The EU
has always worked with faith-based NGOs under a non-discriminatory policy, but now it is engaging more
in linking development and religious awareness through training and calls of interest for the promotion of
inter-religious dialogue.

Before the Lisbon Treaty entered into force in 2009, the EU had no legal basis for developing mechanisms
for analysis and dialogue with religious organisations. Therefore, the field is still quite new for the EU and
its relatively newly established European External Action Service (formed in 2011). The EU did not adopt
its first guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief until 2013 when the EU
guidelines on the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief were accepted. 2

EU policy promoting linguistic diversity

Every year on 26 September, the Commission unites with the Council of Europe, the European Centre for
Modern Languages (ECML), language institutions and citizens across Europe to promote linguistic diversity
and language learning through the European Day of Languages.

1 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/137/culture
2 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/pdf/divers/EPRS-IDA-614612-Religion-EU-external-policies-FINAL.PDF