Today, MEPs held a debate on how to achieve an effective policy legacy for the European Year of Cultural Heritage, which will be followed by votes on Tuesday and Wednesday. The own initiative report lead by the ECR coordinator for the Committee on Culture and Education and the Latvian ex-minister of Culture, Dace Melbārde, is calling for a more integrated approach to cultural heritage. This involves the equal treatment of tangible, intangible, natural and digital heritage equally.

“Cultural heritage is a common thread that binds us. Europe is full of cultural treasures, both tangible and intangible, highlighting the uniqueness of our cultures and history as well as the common values that we share. The European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018 was a great success, but it is even more important now to ensure that it has a truly lasting legacy. Cultural heritage is not only something that has been inherited and can be used now; it needs to be protected and passed on to the future generations.”

The European Parliament‘s report strives to address these and other issues, suggesting, among other things, to ensure cultural heritage at the EU level is looked at and treated in a comprehensive and holistic manner, and as a value in itself.

“I believe this is a good start on which to continue building upon and promoting the cause. Equally important is the promotion of cultural heritage. Especially now, due in part to the social conditions related to the Covid-19 outbreak, the revenue streams of the cultural sites, museums and other similar institutions have been severely affected”, concludes Dace Melbārde.

Votes will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday at 1pm.