By Martin Banks - 5th January 2010
The programme consists of more than just a list of meetings
Angeles Gonzalez-Sinde
Spain has unveiled its cultural programme for its six-month presidency of the EU.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, the country's cultural minister Angeles Gonzalez-Sinde said she hopes the presidency will promote Spain's "valuable and diverse" cultural heritage.
She said it was hoped the presidency would leave a "long-term contribution" to Europe's cultural heritage.
"It is not our hope or intention that our work should end on 30 June but that the movement should carry on across time," she said.
"That is why the programme consists of more than just a list of meetings."
She said there were three priorities.
First, to "strengthen the identity of European culture and the promotion of cultural tourism".
Second, to promote "digital culture" and encourage a "legal market and the digitalisation of content".
A third aim, she said, is to "elevate the role of culture as an engine for social and economic development".
During her visit, she inaugurated "Travesias", an exhibition in the entrance hall of the Justus Lipsius building.
It features snippets of history related to the "conquests, dangers and obstacles" involved in the European project.
Also on display will be a photographic exhibition, called "Protagonistas en la Sombra".
The presidency will include two meetings between EU culture ministers, one informal council and a large-scale forum between civil society and local authorities.
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