By Gemma Lougheed - 4th October 2005
2008 will be the ‘European year of intercultural dialogue’, the European Commission has proposed.
The idea has been put forward by European Culture and Language Commissioner Jan Figel and has an overall budget of €10 million.
“Over the past few years, Europe has seen major changes resulting from successive enlargements of the EU, greater mobility in the single market, and increased travel to and trade with the rest of the world,” said Figel.
“This has resulted in interaction between Europeans and the different cultures, languages, ethnic groups and religions on the continent and elsewhere.”
“Dialogue between cultures would therefore appear to be an essential tool in forging closer links both between European peoples themselves and between their respective cultures.”
The initiative is driven by concerns over the speed of globalisation and fears over a ‘clash of civilisations’ between East and West, Christian and Muslim.
“The real challenge is to move from a “multi-cultural” society to an “inter-cultural” one,” concludes a commission document.
“The social fabric of the EU is threatened by rampant racism and xenophobia, the existence of many forms of discrimination and the emergence of extreme-right parties.”
The main objective of the European year is to raise awareness among young people about how best to deal with a more ‘open’ society.
The commission envisage the €10 million budget will fund a promotional campaign, fund community projects and finance action at a national level.
The project would follow the ‘European Year of Equal Opportunities for All’ in 2007.
This proposal will now be considered by the European Council and European Parliament for adoption under the co-decision procedure by the end of 2006.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.