Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council: Main results

EU News 346/2015

Council of the European Union
Brussels
24/11/2015

Main Results on Culture and Sport, 24 November

The current migratory and refugee crisis was also a common strand in the discussions on the second day of the Council (24 November). The issues figured particularly prominently in debates on:

- collective action against the illicit trafficking and destruction of cultural heritage in conflict areas: ministers underlined the strong symbolic value of cultural heritage in terms of identity and its contribution to intercultural dialogue. They called for increased cooperation between member states at all levels

- the educational potential of sport to help disadvantaged youth, including migrants, to find their place in society. Ministers agreed that sport is not only vital in helping foster dialogue between different cultures within the EU but is also key to social integration policies.

Culture

The focus of the Culture session was on how culture can best reinforce the EU's external action. Ministers adopted conclusions on the way in which development cooperation and intercultural dialogue can improve the integration of migrants and refugees.

The first conclusions reflect the importance of a more comprehensive approach to culture, based on global solidarity. They call on the Commission and the High Representative to submit to the Council a strategic approach to culture and set out some guiding principles.

The Council stressed that this approach should also address the challenges currently facing the EU such as the migratory crisis, radicalisation and the rise of xenophobia.

Source and additional information:
http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/eycs/2015/11/23-24/

Video File: Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council. Najat VALLAUD-BELKACEM, French Education Minister. (C)EU, 2015 URL

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