[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |

[pic] | KUMMISSJONI TAL-KOMUNITAJIET EWROPEJ |

Brussels, 10.5.2007

Brussel 10.5.2007

COM(2007) 242 final

KUMM(2007) 242 finali

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

KOMUNIKAZZJONI MILL-KUMMISSJONI LILL-PARLAMENT EWROPEW, LILL-KUNSILL, LILL-KUMITAT EKONOMIKU U SOĊJALI EWROPEW U LILL-KUMITAT TAR-REĠJUNI

on a European agenda for culture in a globalizing world

Komunikazzjoni dwar aġenda Ewropea għal kultura f’dinja li qed tiġi gglobalizzata

{SEC(2007) 570}

{SEG(2007) 570}

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

KOMUNIKAZZJONI MILL-KUMMISSJONILILL-PARLAMENT EWROPEW, LILL-KUNSILL, LILL-KUMITAT EKONOMIKU U SOĊJALI EWROPEW U LILL-KUMITAT TAR-REĠJUNI

on a European agenda for culture in a globalizing world

Komunikazzjoni dwar aġenda Ewropea għal kultura f’dinja li qed tiġi gglobalizzata

" Culture is all the dreams and labour tending towards forging humanity. Culture requests a paradoxical pact: diversity must be the principle of unity, taking stock of differences is necessary not to divide, but to enrich culture even more. Europe is a culture or it is not." Denis de Rougemont

“Il-kultura hi l-ħolm u l-ħidmiet kollha li jimmiraw sabiex titwettaq b’mod sħiħ l-umanità. Il-kultura tesiġi patt paradossali: id-diversità għandha tkun il-prinċipju ta’ unità, filwaqt li t-twiżin tad-differenzi hu neċessarju mhux biex jifred, iżda biex aktar iżid jarrikkixxi l-kultura. L-Ewropa hi kultura jew mhix”. Denis de Rougemont

1. INTRODUCTION

1. Introduzzjoni

Culture lies at the heart of human development and civilisation. Culture is what makes people hope and dream, by stimulating our senses and offering new ways of looking at reality. It is what brings people together, by stirring dialogue and arousing passions, in a way that unites rather than divides. Culture should be regarded as a set of distinctive spiritual and material traits that characterize a society and social group. It embraces literature and arts as well as ways of life, value systems, traditions and beliefs.

Il-kultura tinstab fil-qalba ta’ l-iżvilupp uman u fiċ-ċiviltà. Il-kultura hi dak li jikkostrinġina nittamaw u noħolmu, billi tistimulalna s-sensi u billi toffrilna modi ġodda ta’ kif inħarsu lejn ir-realtà. Hi dak li tiġbor flimkien lill-ġnus, billi tqanqal id-djalogu u tqajjem il-passjonijiet, b’mod li tgħaqqad aktar milli tifred. Il-kultura għandha titqies bħala sett ta’ karatteristiċi distintivi spiritwali u materjali li jikkaratterizzaw soċjetà u grupp soċjali. Hi tħaddan kemm il-letteratura u l-arti kif ukoll modi ta’ ħajja, sistemi ta’ valuri, tradizzjonijiet u twemmin.

As Dario Fo rightly pointed out, "even before Europe was united in an economic level or was conceived at the level of economic interests and trade, it was culture that united all the countries of Europe. The arts, literature, music are the connecting link of Europe" . Indeed, Europeans share a common cultural heritage, which is the result of centuries of creativity, migratory flows and exchanges. They also enjoy and value a rich cultural and linguistic diversity, which is inspiring and has inspired many countries across the world.

Bħalma Dario Fo stqarr b’mod ġust, “anki qabel ma l-Ewropa ngħaqdet f’livell ekonomiku jew ġiet konċeputa fil-livell ta’ l-interessi ekonomiċi u kummerċjali, kienet il-kultura li ġabret flimkien il-pajjiżi kollha ta’ l-Ewropa. L-arti, il-letteratura, il-mużika huma t-taħlita li tgħaqqad l-Ewropa” . Tassew, l-Ewropej jaqsmu bejniethom wirt kulturali komuni, li hu r-riżultat ta’ sekli ta’ kreattività, influssi migratorji u skambji. Huma jgawdu wkoll u japprezzaw kultura rikka u diversità lingwistika, li hi ta’ spirazzjoni u li spirat ħafna pajjiżi madwar id-dinja.

The originality and success of the European Union is in its ability to respect Member States’ varied and intertwined history, languages and cultures, while forging common understanding and rules which have guaranteed peace, stability, prosperity and solidarity - and with them, a huge richness of cultural heritage and creativity to which successive enlargements have added more and more. Through this unity in diversity, respect for cultural and linguistic diversity and promotion of a common cultural heritage lies at the very heart of the European project. This is more than ever indispensable in a globalizing world.

L-oriġinalità u s-suċċess ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea jinstabu fil-kapaċità tagħha li tirrispetta l-istorja, il-lingwi u l-kulturi varjati u mxebilka ta’ l-Istati Membri, filwaqt li tistabbilixxi fehmiet u regoli komuni li jiggarantixxu paċi, stabbiltà, prosperità u solidarjetà – u flimkien magħhom, rikkezza kbira ta’ wirt kulturali u kreattività li magħhom kull tkabbir suċċessiv żied aktar u aktar. Permezz ta’ din l-għaqda fid-diversità, ir-rispett għad-diversità kulturali u lingwistika u l-promozzjoni ta’ wirt kulturali komuni jinstab fil-qalba proprja tal-proġett Ewropew. Dan hu indispensabbli aktar minn qatt qabel f’dinja li qed tiġi gglobalizzata.

In today's Europe, cultural exchanges are as lively and vibrant as ever. The freedom of movement provided for by the EC Treaty has greatly facilitated cultural exchanges and dialogue across borders. Cultural activities and the demand for cultural goods are spreading, with unprecedented access thanks to new communication tools. At the same time, globalisation has increased the exposure to more diverse cultures from across the world. This has heightened our curiosity and capacity to exchange with and benefit from other cultures, and contributed to the diversity of our societies. However, this has also raised questions about Europe's identity and its ability to ensure intercultural, cohesive societies.

Fl-Ewropa ta’ llum, l-iskambji kulturali huma ħajjin u dinamiċi daqs qatt qabel. Il-libertà tal-moviment ipprovdut mit-Trattat tal-KE ffaċilitat b’mod vast l-iskambji u d-djalogu lil hinn mill-fruntieri. L-attivitajiet kulturali u d-domanda għall-prodotti kulturali qed jinfirxu, bis-saħħa ta’ l-aċċess bla preċedent offrut minn għodod ġodda ta’ komunikazzjoni. Fl-istess waqt, il-globalizzazzjoni żiedet tesponi kulturi mid-dinja kollha li huma aktar diversi. Dan intensifika l-kurżità u l-kapaċità tagħna biex niskambjaw u biex nibbenefikaw minn kulturi oħra, u kkontribwixxa għad-diversità tas-soċjetajiet tagħna. Madankollu, dan qajjem ukoll mistoqsijiet dwar l-identità Ewropea u dwar l-abbiltà tagħha li tiżgura soċjetajiet interkulturali li jiffavorixxu l-koeżjoni.

World-wide, cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue have become major challenges for a global order based on peace, mutual understanding and respect for shared values, such as the protection and promotion of human rights and the protection of languages. In this respect, the entry into force of the UNESCO Convention on the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions on 18 March 2007 is to be seen as a fundamental step, to which the EU has greatly contributed.

Fuq skala dinjija, id-diversità kulturali u d-djalogu interkulturali saru sfidi prinċipali għal ordni globali bbażati fuq il-paċi, għarfien reċiproku u rispett għall-valuri komuni, bħalma huma l-protezzjoni u l-promozzjoni tad-drittijiet umani u l-protezzjoni tal-lingwi. F’dan ir-rigward, id-dħul fis-seħħ tal-Konvenzjoni tal-UNESCO dwar il-protezzjoni u l-promozzjoni tad-diversità ta’ l-espressjonijiet kulturali fit-18 ta’ Marzu 2007 għandu jitqies bħala pass fondamentali, li għalih l-UE kkontribwixxiet b’mod sħiħ.

Europe’s cultural richness and diversity is closely linked to its role and influence in the world. The European Union is not just an economic process or a trading power, it is already widely - and accurately - perceived as an unprecedented and successful social and cultural project. The EU is, and must aspire to become even more, an example of a "soft power" founded on norms and values such as human dignity, solidarity, tolerance, freedom of expression, respect for diversity and intercultural dialogue, values which, provided they are upheld and promoted, can be of inspiration for the world of tomorrow.

Ir-rikkezza kulturali u d-diversità Ewropea huma marbutin mill-qrib mar-rwol u l-influwenza tagħha fid-dinja. L-Unjoni Ewropea mhix sempliċement proċess ekonomiku jew poter kummerċjali, hi diġà meqjusa b’mod wiesa’ – u preċiż – bħala proġett soċjali u kulturali bla preċedent li rnexxa. L-UE hi, u għandha taspira li sservi anke aktar, ta’ eżempju ta’ “poter artab” ibbażat fuq normi u valuri bħalma huma d-dinjità umana, is-solidarjetà, it-toleranza, il-libertà ta’ l-espressjoni, ir-rispett għad-diversità u d-djalogu interkulturali, valuri li, sakemm jibqgħu jiġu osservati u promossi, jistgħu jservu ta’ spirazzjoni għad-dinja ta’ għada.

Europe's cultural richness based on its diversity is also, and increasingly so, an important asset in an immaterial and knowledge-based world. The European cultural sector is already a very dynamic trigger of economic activities and jobs throughout the EU territory. Cultural activities also help promoting an inclusive society and contribute to preventing and reducing poverty and social exclusion. As was recognised by the conclusions of the 2007 Spring European Council, creative entrepreneurs and a vibrant cultural industry are a unique source of innovation for the future. This potential must be recognised even more and fully tapped.

Ir-rikezza kulturali Ewropea bbażata fuq id-diversità tagħha hi wkoll, u b’mod li qed jikber, valur importanti f’dinja immaterjali u bbażata fuq l-għerf. Is-settur kulturali Ewropew diġà jistimula b’mod dinamiku l-attivitajiet ekonomiċi u l-impjiegi fit-territorju kollu ta’ l-UE. L-attivitajiet kulturali jgħinu wkoll fil-promozzjoni ta’ soċjetà inklussiva u jikkontribwixxu għall-prevenzjoni u t-tnaqqis tal-faqar u l-esklużjoni soċjali. Kif kien rikonoxxut mill-konklużjonijiet tal-Kunsill Ewropew tar-Rebbiegħa 2007, intraprendituri kreattivi u industrija kulturali dinamika huma sors uniku ta’ innovazzjoni għall-ġejjieni. Dan il-potenzjal għandu jiġi rikonoxxut aktar u jiġi esplojtjat bi sħiħ.

Purpose of the Communication

L-iskop ta’ din il-Komunikazzjoni

Awareness is growing that the EU has a unique role to play in promoting its cultural richness and diversity, both within Europe and world-wide. There is also acknowledgement that culture is an indispensable feature to achieve the EU's strategic objectives of prosperity, solidarity and security, while ensuring a stronger presence on the international scene.

Qed jikber l-għarfien li l-UE għandha rwol uniku xi twettaq fil-promozzjoni tar-rikkezza u d-diversità kulturali, kemm fi ħdan l-Ewropa kif ukoll fuq skala dinjija. Jeżisti wkoll għarfien li l-kultura hi fattur indispensabbli biex jitwettqu l-għanijiet strateġiċi ta’ prosperità, solidarjetà u sigurtà ta’ l-UE, filwaqt li tiġi żgurata preżenza aktar qawwija fix-xena internazzjonali.

Based on extensive consultations[1], this Communication explores the relationship between culture and Europe in a globalizing world and proposes objectives for a new EU agenda for culture. This agenda is to be shared by all stakeholders (the Commission, Member States and involving civil society and the European Parliament). The Commission therefore also seeks to establish new partnerships and methods for cooperation between them.

Ibbażata fuq konsultazzjonijiet estensivi[1], din il-Komunikazzjoni tesplora r-relazzjonijiet bejn il-kultura u l-Ewropa f’dinja li qed tigglobalizza u tipproponi għanijiet għal aġenda ġdida ta’ l-UE għall-kultura. Din l-aġenda għandha tinqasam bejn il-partijiet interessati kollha (il-Kummissjoni, l-Istati Membri u s-soċjetà ċivili involuta u l-Parlament Ewropew). Għalhekk il-Kummissjoni qed tfittex ukoll biex tistabbilixxi partenarjati ġodda u metodi għall-kooperazzjoni bejniethom.

2. THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE EU TO CULTURE[2]

2. KONTRIBUZZJONI TA’ L-UE GħAL KULTURA[2]

'CULTURE' IS GENERALLY RECOGNISED AS COMPLEX TO DEFINE. IT CAN REFER TO THE FINE ARTS, INCLUDING A VARIETY OF WORKS OF ART, CULTURAL GOODS AND SERVICES. 'CULTURE' ALSO HAS AN ANTHROPOLOGICAL MEANING. IT IS THE BASIS FOR A SYMBOLIC WORLD OF MEANINGS, BELIEFS, VALUES, TRADITIONS WHICH ARE EXPRESSED IN LANGUAGE, ART , religion and myths. As such, it plays a fundamental role in human development and in the complex fabric of the identities and habits of individuals and communities.

Hu fatt magħruf li hu ġeneralment diffiċli li wieħed jiddefinixxi x’inhi ’kultura’. Hi tista’ tirreferi għall-arti tal-ġmiel, inkluża varjetà ta’ xogħlijiet ta’ arti, prodotti kulturali u servizzi. “Il-kultura” għandha wkoll tifsira antropoloġika. Hi l-bażi ta’ dinja simbolika ta’ tifsiriet, twemmin, valuri, tradizzjonijiet li jiġu espressi fil-lingwa, l-arti, ir-reliġjon u l-miti. Strettament, hi għandha rwol fondamentali fl-iżvilupp uman u fin-nisġa komplessa ta’ identitajiet u drawwiet ta’ individwi u komunitajiet.

In the context of this Communication, the main focus will be on the importance of the various facets of culture in developing strategies both within the EU and with third countries.

Fil-kuntest ta’ din il-Komunikazzjoni, l-enfasi prinċipali se tkun fuq l-importanza tad-diversi aspetti tal-kultura fl-iżvilupp ta’ strateġiji kemm fi ħdan l-UE kif ukoll f’pajjiżi terzi.

The basis for the action of the EU in the field of culture lies in the Treaty. Article 151 states that:

Il-bażi għall-azzjoni ta’ l-UE fil-qasam tal-kultura jinstab fit-Trattat. L-Artikolu 151 jistqarr li:

"The Community shall contribute to the flowering of the cultures of the Member States, while respecting their national and regional diversity and at the same time bringing the common heritage to the fore." "Action by the Community shall be aimed at encouraging cooperation between Member States and, if necessary, supporting and supplementing their action …." "The Community and the Member States shall foster cooperation with third countries and the competent international organisations in the sphere of culture, in particular the Council of Europe." "The Community shall take cultural aspects into account in its action under other provisions of this Treaty, in particular in order to respect and to promote the diversity of its cultures." |

“Il-Komunità għandha tikkontribwixxi għall-fjoritura tal-kulturi ta’ l-Istati Membri, filwaqt li tirrispetta d-diversità nazzjonali u reġjonali tagħhom u fl-istess waqt tirriżalta l-wirt kulturali komuni." “L-azzjoni tal-Komunità għandha jkollha l-mira li tinkoraġġixxi l-kooperazzjoni bejn l-Istati Membri u, jekk jinħtieġ, tappoġġa u tissupplimenta l-azzjoni tagħhom ...". “Il-Komunità u l-Istati Membri għandhom jikkultivaw il-kooperazzjoni ma’ pajjiżi terzi u ma’ l-organizzazzjonijiet internazzjonali kompetenti fil-qasam tal-kultura, partikolarment il-Kunsill ta’ l-Ewropa”. “Il-Komunità għandha tagħti kas ta’ l-aspetti kulturali fl-azzjonijiet tagħha taħt dispożizzjonijiet oħra ta’ dan it-Trattat, partikolarment sabiex tirrispetta u tippromwovi d-diversità tal-kulturi tagħha.” |

Culture is and will therefore primarily remain a responsibility of Member States; in some countries it is largely dealt with at the regional or even local level. Article 151 does not provide, for example, for harmonisation of the laws and regulations of the Member States. Action at EU level is to be undertaken in full respect of the principle of subsidiarity, with the role of the EU being to support and complement, rather than to replace, the actions of the Member States, by respecting their diversity and stimulating exchanges, dialogue and mutual understanding.

Il-kultura hi u għalhekk se tibqa’ primarjament ir-responsabbiltà ta’ l-Istati Membri; f’xi pajjiżi hi tiġi ttrattata b’mod wiesa’ fil-livell reġjonali jew anki lokali. L-Artikolu 151 mhux se jipprovdi, pereżempju, għall-armonizzazzjoni tal-liġijiet u r-regolamenti ta’ l-Istati Membri. L-azzjoni fil-livell ta’ l-UE għandha tittieħed b’rispett sħiħ tal-prinċipju tas-sussidjarjetà, bir-rwol ta’ l-UE jkun li jappoġġa u jikkomplementa, aktar milli jissostitwixxi, l-azzjonijiet ta’ l-Istati Membri, billi jirrispetta d-diversità tagħhom u jħeġġeġ l-iskambji, id-djalogu u l-komprensjoni reċiproka.

2.1. The role of the EU's internal policies and programmes

2.1. Ir-rwol tal-politiki interni u l-programmi ta’ l-UE

The EU already contributes to promoting cultural activities in Europe through its programmes and policies in many ways:

L-UE diġà tikkontribwixxi b’bosta modi għall-promozzjoni ta’ l-attivitajiet kulturali fl-Ewropa permezz tal-programmi u l-politiki tagħha:

- The Community's culture programmes have been very productive. The present Culture Programme (2007-2013)[3] will go further in facilitating mutual understanding, stimulating creativity, and contributing to the mutual enrichment of our cultures. It will help thousands of cultural organisations to create and implement cultural and artistic projects improving the knowledge and dissemination of European cultural heritage, promoting cultural exchanges, artistic and literary creation, and literary translation. It will also support bodies active at European level in the field of culture and give recognition to major European cultural achievements through European prizes in architecture, cultural heritage and music as well as European Capitals of Culture.

- Il-programmi Komunitarji tal-kultura kienu ferm produttivi. Il-Programm Kultura (2007-2013)[3] attwali se jmur aktar lil hinn billi jiffaċilita komprensjoni reċiproka, iħeġġeġ il-kreattività, u jikkontribwixxi għall-arrikkament reċiproku tal-kulturi tagħna. Hu se jgħin eluf ta’ organizzazzjonijiet kulturali biex joħolqu u jimplimentaw proġetti kulturali u artistiċi li jtejbu t-tagħrif u l-propagazzjoni tal-wirt kulturali Ewropew, li jippromwovu skambji kulturali, kreazzjoni artistika u letterarja, u t-traduzzjoni letterarja. Hu se jappoġġa wkoll entitajiet attivi fil-livell Ewropew fil-qasam tal-kultura u jirrikonoxxi t-twettiq prinċipali kulturali Ewropew permezz ta’ premjijiet Ewropej fl-arkitettura, il-wirt kulturali u mużikali kif ukoll permezz ta’ l-Ibliet Kapitali Ewropej tal-Kultura.

- Many other programmes have a huge positive impact on culture either through specific cultural projects, the use of foreign languages which they promote, the close link between learning and culture or the personal cultural experiences they stimulate: among these programmes are "Europe for Citizens" (2007-2013)[4], which is also based on the culture article of the Treaty and promotes active European citizenship as well as programmes supporting lifelong learning (including Erasmus and Erasmus Mundus), multilingualism and exchanges of young people.

- Ħafna programmi oħra jħallu impatt pożittiv kbir fuq il-kultura jew permezz ta’ proġetti kulturali speċifiċi, jew bl-użu tal-lingwi barranin li huma jippromwovu, bir-rabta mill-qrib bejn it-tagħlim u l-kultura jew l-esperjenzi kulturali personali li huma jistimulaw: fost dawn il-programmi hemm “L-Ewropa għaċ-Ċittadini” (2007-2013)[4], li hu wkoll ibbażati fuq l-Artikolu dwar il-kultura tat-Trattat u jippromwovi ċittadinanza Ewropea attiva kif ukoll programmi li jappoġġaw it-tagħlim matul il-ħajja (inklużi Erasmus u Erasmus Mundus), il-multilingwiżmu u l-iskambji taż-żgħażagħ.

- In the cinema and audiovisual sector, the MEDIA programme[5], in place since 1991, promotes the competitiveness of the European audiovisual industry. It is also designed to promote intercultural dialogue, increase mutual awareness amongst European cultures and develop cultural potential. Furthermore, a Recommendation on film heritage and the competitiveness of related industrial activities was adopted on 16 November 2005 setting out concrete actions in the field of film heritage.

- fis-settur taċ-ċinema u ta’ l-adjoviżwali, il-programm MEDIA[5], fis-seħħ mill-1991, jippromwovi l-kompetittività ta’ l-industrija awdjoviżiva Ewropea. Hu ddisinjat ukoll biex jippromwovi djalogu interkulturali, biex iżid l-għarfien reċiproku fost il-kulturi Ewropej u biex jiżviluppa l-potenzjal kulturali. Oltri dan, Rakkomandazzjoni dwar il-wirt ċinematografiku u l-kompetittività ta’ attvitajiet industrijali relatati ġiet adottata fis-16 ta’ Novembru 2005 u ddefinit l-azzjonijiet konkreti fil-qasam tal-wirt ċinematografiku.

- A range of other Community funding programmes make an important contribution to culture. Support offered by the Cohesion policy or rural development policy can be instrumental in promoting, for example, the restoration of cultural heritage and the promotion of creative industries in view of enhancing the attractiveness of regions or supporting the training of cultural professionals. This is also the case for information society development (e.g. the Digital Libraries Initiative which aims at making Europe's diverse cultural and scientific heritage easier to access online) or research (with the Research Framework Programmes).

- Firxa ta’ programmi oħra Komunitarji ta’ finanzjament jikkostitwixxu kontribuzzjoni important għal kultura. L-appoġġ offrut mill-politika ta’ Koeżjoni jew mill-politika ta’ żvilupp rurali jista’ jkun strumentali fil-promozzjoni, pereżempju r-restawr ta’ wirt kulturali u l-promozzjoni ta’ l-industriji kreattivi bl-għan li tiżdied l-attrazzjoni tar-reġjuni jew li jiġu megħjuna l-professjonisti kulturali fit-taħriġ tagħhom. Dan hu wkoll il-każ ta’ l-iżvilupp tas-soċjetà ta’ l-informazzjoni (pereżempju l-Inizjattiva Bibljoteki Diġitali li l-għan tagħha hu li jiġi ffaċilitat l-aċċess online tal-wirt differenti kulturali u xjentifiku Ewropew).

A number of Community policies also play an important role in shaping the regulatory framework for the cultural sector.

Numru ta’ politiki Komunitarji għandhom ukoll rwol important fid-definizzjoni tal-qafas regolatorju għas-settur kulturali:

For the Community’s action under Article 151(4) of the Treaty, the challenge is often to strike the right balance between different legitimate public policy objectives, including the promotion of cultural diversity.

Għall-azzjoni Komunitarja skond l-Artikolu 151(4) tat-Trattat, l-isfida hi ta’ spiss li jinstab bilanċ bejn id-diversi għanijiet leġittimi tal-politika pubblika, inkluż il-promozzjoni tad-diversità kulturali.

- There is a strong link between the promotion of culture and creativity and EU copyright and related rights legislation. This legislation protects the rights of authors, producers and artists to ensure they receive adequate revenue for their works while allowing a wide dissemination of protected works or phonograms, thereby promoting citizens' access to Europe's rich and diverse cultural heritage.

- Hemm rabta qawwija bejn il-promozzjoni ta’ kultura u kreattività u d-dritt ta’ l-awtur ta’ l-UE u leġiżlazzjoni relatata dwar id-drittijiet. Din il-leġiżlazzjoni tipproteġi d-drittijiet ta’ l-awturi, il-produtturi u l-artisti biex tiżgura li huma jirċievu dħul ta’ flus adegwat għal xogħlijiethom filwaqt li tippermetti propagazzjoni wiesgħa ta’ xogħlijiet protetti jew fonogrammi, biex b’hekk tippromwovi l-aċċess liċ-ċittadini għall-wirt kulturali rikk u divers ta’ l-Ewropa.

- The "Television without Frontiers" Directive, adopted in 1989, by setting the conditions for the transmission across borders of TV broadcasts within the European internal market, has created a legal framework for the free circulation of European audiovisual content within the EU. This has contributed significantly to the strengthening of media pluralism and cultural diversity. In this context, cultural diversity is also fostered through promotion measures for European and independent productions.

- Id-Direttiva “Televiżjoni Mingħajr Fruntieri”, adottata fl-1989, bid-definizzjoni tal-kondizzjonijiet għat-trażmissjonijiet bejn il-funtieri tax-xandiriet televiżivi fi ħdan is-suq intern Ewropew, ħolqot qafas legali għaċ-ċirkolazzjoni tal-kontenut awdjoviżiv Ewropew fi ħdan l-UE. Din ikkontribwixxiet b’mod sinifikattiv għat-tisħiħ tal-pluraliżmu fil-mezzi tax-xandir u għad-diversità kulturali. F’dan il-kuntest, id-diversità kulturali hi inkoraġġuta wkoll permezz ta’ miżuri ta’ promozzjoni għall-produzzjonijiet Ewropej u indipendenti.

- In state aid, following the introduction of Article 87(3)(d)[6] by the Maastricht Treaty, cultural considerations play a role. Under this provision the Commission has in the past approved a wide range of national measures which have benefited such diverse areas as museums, national heritage, theatre and music-productions, printed cultural media, and the cinematographic and audiovisual sector.

- Fl-għajnuna statali, wara l-introduzzjoni ta’ l-Artikolu 87 (3) (d)[6] fit-Trattat ta’ Maastrickt, bdew jintervjenu konsiderazzjonijiet kulturali. Bis-saħħa ta’ din id-dispożizzjoni l-Kummissjoni approvat fil-passat firxa wiesgħa ta’ miżuri nazzjonali li bbenefikaw minnhom oqsma diversi li jinkudu l-mużewijiet, il-wirt nazzjonali, il-produzzjonijiet teatrali u mużikali, ix-xandir kulturali stampat, u s-settur ċinematografiku u adjoviżiv.

- The EU has designated 2008 the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue[7] to give expression and a high profile to best practices and processes of intercultural dialogue aiming at establishing a sustainable strategy beyond 2008. Particular attention will be paid to the multilingual dimension of this dialogue.

- L-UE pproklamat l-2008 bħala Sena Ewropea għad-Djalogu Interkulturali[7] biex tikkontribwixxi fit-twettiq u l-viżibilità tal-prattiċi tajba u l-proċessi tad-djalogu interkulturali bl-għan li tiġi stabbilita strateġija sostennibbli lil hinn mill-2008. Se tingħata attenzjoni partikulari lid-dimensjoni multilingwa ta’ dan id-djalogu.

- Finally, on the basis of existing Community funding programmes, the Commission wishes to make 2009 a European Year of Creativity and Innovation through education and culture in order to raise public awareness, promote policy debate within Member States, and contribute to fostering creativity, innovation and intercultural competences.

- Finalment, abbażi tal-programmi eżistenti ta’ finanzjament Komunitarju, il-Kummissjoni tixtieq tagħmel l-2009 Sena Ewropea ta’ Kreattività u Innovazzjoni permezz ta’ l-edukazzjoni u l-kultura biex tqajjem għarfien pubbliku, tippromowovi dibattitut fi ħdan l-Istati Membri, u tikkontribwixxi għall-inkoraġġiment tal-kreattività, l-innovazzjoni u l-kompetenzi interkulturali.

In recent years, Member States have explored new forms of flexible cooperation in order to work together more closely in the pursuit of shared objectives. The Council has agreed on a multi-annual work plan for the period 2005-2007[8] and flexible forms of cooperation on specific topics, such as the mobility of museum collections, have developed. Regular ministerial conferences have also contributed to exchanges of best practices and dialogue on policies.

Fi snin reċenti, l-Istati Membri studjaw forom ġodda ta’ kooperazzjoni flessibbli sabiex jaħdmu flimkien aktar mill-qrib biex iwettqu għanijiet komuni. Il-Kunsill ftiehem dwar pjan ta’ ħidma multi-annwali għall-perjodu 2005-2007[8] u ġew żviluppati forom flessibbli ta’ kooperazzjoni dwar temi speċifiċi, bħall-mobilità tal-kollezzjonijiet tal-mużewijiet. Konferenzi ministerjali regolari kkontribwixxew ukoll fl-iskambju ta’ l-aħjar prattiċi u djalogu dwar il-politiki.

The European Parliament has regularly called for strengthened cooperation in its reports and recommendations[9]. Furthermore, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions have underlined the role of organised civil society and of local and regional authorities.

Il-Parlament Ewropew sejjaħ regolarment għall-kooperazzjoni rinforzata fir-rapporti u r-rakkomandazzjonijiet tiegħu[9]. Barra minn dan, il-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali u l-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni enfasizzaw is-sehem tas-soċjetà ċivili organizzata u ta’ l-awtoritajiet lokali u reġjonali.

These experiences, combined with the results of the broad consultation processes undertaken in preparing this Communication, have led the Commission to the conclusion that the time is now ripe to develop a common cultural agenda and new partnerships and methods for cooperation with Member States, civil society and third countries.

Dawn l-esperjenzi, flimkien mar-riżultati tal-proċessi wiesgħa ta’ konsultazzjoni meħuda waqt il-preparazzjoni ta’ din il-Komunikazzjoni, wasslet lill-Kummissjoni għall-konklużjoni li l-mument hu issa adatt biex tiġi żviluppata aġenda kulturali komuni u partenarjati ġodda u metodi għal kooperazzjoni ma’ l-Istati Membri, is-soċjetà ċivili u l-pajjiżi terzi.

2.2. EU's external relations

2.2. Ir-relazzjonijet esterni ta’ l-UE

Culture is recognized as an important part of the EU’s main cooperation programmes and instruments[10], and in the Union’s bilateral agreements with third countries. It is also a key element of the co-operation developed with the Council of Europe, which has allowed the joint implementation of the European Heritage Days as well as some actions in the Western Balkans.

Il-Kultura hi meqjusa bħala parti importanti tal-programmi u l-istrumenti prinċipali ta’ kooperazzjoni ta’ l-UE[10], u fil-ftehimiet bilaterali ta’ l-Unjoni ma’ pajjiżi terzi. Hi wkoll element prinċipali tal-kooperazzjoni żviluppata flimkien mal-Kunsill ta’ l-Ewropa, li ppermettiet kemm l-implimentazzjoni konġunta tal-Jiem tal-Wirt Ewropew kif ukoll azzjonijiet fil-Balkani tal-Punent.

A wide variety of cultural projects and programmes have been implemented for many years as part of the Union’s financial and technical assistance across all developing regions of the world. These cultural actions target the preservation and restoration of heritage sites, the production and circulation of works of art, the creation or restoration of museums, the local capacity-building of cultural operators and artists and the organisation of major cultural events. The Commission also runs funds and actions to support the emergence and strengthening of cultural industries, in particular the cinema and audiovisual sector, in partner countries, as well as promote local access to culture and cultural diversity in third countries.

Varjetà wiesgħa ta’ proġetti u programmi kulturali ġew implimentati għal ħafna snin bħala parti mill-assistenza finanzjarja u teknika ta’ l-Unjoni mar-reġjuni kollha li qed jiżiluppaw fid-dinja. Dawn l-azzjonijiet kulturali għandhom l-għan li jippreżervaw u jirrestawraw siti ta’ wirt, il-produzzjoni u ċ-ċirkolazzjoni tax-xogħlijiet artistiċi, il-ħolqien jew ir-restawr ta’ mużewijiet, it-tisħiħ tal-kapaċità lokali ta’ l-operaturi kulturali, l-artisti u l-organizzazzjonijiet ta’ avvenimenti kulturali prinċipali. Il-Kummissjoni għandha wkoll fondi u azzjonijiet biex tappoġġa t-tfaċċar u t-tisħiħ ta’ l-industriji kulturali, b’mod partikulari ċ-ċinema u s-settur awdjoviżiv, f’pajjiżi msieħba, kif ukoll il-promozzjoni ta’ aċċess lokali għal kultura u d-diversità kulturali fil-pajjiżi terzi.

In close connection with this, the Union has increasingly focused on promoting support for human rights, including the protection and promotion of cultural rights, the rights of indigenous peoples as well as the rights of persons belonging to minorities and socially marginalized people.

F’dan il-kuntest, l-Unjoni kkonċentrat aktar u aktar fuq il-promozzjoni ta’ l-appoġġ għad-drittijiet umani, inklużi l-protezzjoni u l-promozzjoni tad-drittijiet kulturali, id-drittijiet ta’ l-indiġeni kif ukoll d-drittijiet tal-persuni li jagħmlu parti minn minoritajiet u minn nies soċjalment marġinalizzati.

Intercultural dialogue as one of the main instruments of peace and conflict prevention is obviously among the basic objectives of such actions. Priority actions in that direction were launched under the impetus of a consultative group set up by the Commission’s President, which also led inter alia to the setting-up, in Alexandria, of the Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures, and the creation of specific debate on culture within the political dialogues with many third countries.

Id-djalogu interkulturali bħala wieħed mill-istrumenti prinċipali ta’ paċi u ta’ prevenzjoni ta’ konflitti hu ovvjament fost l-għanijiet bażiċi ta’ azzjonijiet ta’ din ix-xorta. Azzjonijiet prijoritarji f’din id-direzzjoni kienu mnedija bl-impetu ta’ grupp konsultattiv imwaqqaf mill-President tal-Kummissjoni, li wassal ukoll fost affarijiet oħra għat-twaqqif, f’Lixandra, tal-Fondazzjoni Ewro-Mediterranja Anna Lindh għad-Djalogu bejn il-Kulturi, u l-ħolqien ta’ dibattitu speċifiku fi ħdan id-djalogi politiċi ma’ bosta pajjiżi terzi.

The Commission has also recently begun to reinforce its public diplomacy, including cultural events, often involving cooperation with and among Member States’ cultural institutions to convey important messages in third countries about Europe, its identity and its experience of building bridges between different cultures.

Il-Kummissjoni bdiet ukoll reċentement it-tisħiħ tad-diplomazija pubblika tagħha, inklużi l-avvenimenti kulturali, li ta’ spiss jinvolvu l-kooperazzjoni ma’ u fost l-istituzzjonijiet kulturali ta’ l-Istati Membri biex jgħaddu messaġġi importanti f’pajjiżi terzi madwar l-Ewropa, l-identità u l-esperjenzi tagħha fil-bini ta’ rabtiet bejn kulturi differenti.

On a more general level, the Commission has tabled multi-annual thematic programmes under the financial perspectives 2007-2013 in order to finance Community interventions in developing countries and regions, on the one hand, and at international level, on the other hand. The thematic programmes "Investing in People" and "Non-state Actors and Local Authorities in Development" are available to complement geographical cooperation through the country strategy papers in the field of culture. Recent opinion polls clearly show that, under the pressure of globalization, the great majority of Europe’s citizens – led by the Heads of State and Government in June 2006[11] - want Europe to be more present in the world, with an external policy which well reflects its values. Culture is of course central to this multilateral, consensus-building approach.

F’livell aktar ġenerali, il-Kummissjoni ppreżentat programmi tematiċi multi-annwali taħt il-perspettivi finanzjarji ta’ 2007-2013 sabiex tiffinanzja minn banda l-interventi Komunitarji fil-livell tal-pajjiżi u r-reġjuni li qed jiżviluppaw, u mill-banda l-oħra fil-livell internazzjonali. Il-programmi tematiċi “Investiment fir-Riżorsi Umani” u “Atturi Mhux Statali u Awtoritajiet Lokali fl-Iżvilupp” huma disponibbli biex jikkomplementaw il-kooperazzjoni ġeografika permezz tad-dokumenti strateġiċi nazzjonali fil-qasam tal-kultura. Servejs reċenti dwar l-opinjoni juru b’mod ċar li, taħt il-pressjoni tal-globalizzazzjoni, maġġoranza kbira taċ-ċittadini Ewropej – immexxija mill-Kapijiet ta’ l-Istati u Gvernijiet f’Ġunju 2006[11] – iridu l-Ewropa tkun aktar preżenti fid-dinja, b’politika esterna li tirrifletti b’mod xieraq il-valuri tagħha. Il-Kultura hi ċertament ċentrali għal dan l-avviċinament ta’ kunsens multilateral.

The rapid entry into force of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions illustrates the new role of cultural diversity at international level: as parties, the Community and its Member States have committed themselves to strengthen a new cultural pillar of global governance and sustainable development, notably through enhancing international cooperation.

Id-dħul fis-seħħ mgħaġġel tal-Konvenzjoni tal-UNESCO dwar il-Protezzjoni u l-Promozzjoni tad-Diversità ta’ l-Espressjonijiet Kulturali turi r-rwol il-ġdid tad-diversità kulturali fil-livell internazzjonali: bħala partijiet, il-Komunità u l-Istati Membri rabtu lilhom infushom li jsaħħu pilastru kulturali ta’ governanza dinjija u ta’ żvilupp sostenibbli, notevolment permezz tat-tkabbir tal-kooperazzjoni internazzjonali.

3. OBJECTIVES FOR A EUROPEAN AGENDA FOR CULTURE

3. GħANIJIET GħALL-AġENDA EWROPEA TAL-KULTURA

The extensive consultation process carried out in 2006 has enabled the Commission to identify a strong consensus for a new EU agenda for culture, so as to build on past achievements and reinforce on-going activities. This would be built on three interrelated sets of objectives:

Il-proċess estensiv ta’ konsultazzjoni mwettaq fl-2006 ppermetta lill-Kummissjoni tidentifika kunsens qawwi għall-aġenda ġdida ta’ l-UE għall-kultura, biex b’hekk tibni fuq twettiq anterjuri u tirrinforza attivitajiet li għadhom għaddejjin. Dan se jinbena fuq tliet settijiet ta’ għanijiet interrelatati:

- promotion of cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue;

- il-promozzjoni tad-diversità kulturali u tad-djalogu interkulturali;

- promotion of culture as a catalyst for creativity in the framework of the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs;

- il-promozzjoni tal-kultura bħala katalizzatur għal kreattività fil-qafas ta’ l-Istrateġija ta’ Liżbona għat-tkabbir u l-impjiegi;

- promotion of culture as a vital element in the Union's international relations.

- il-promozzjoni tal-kultura bħala element essenzjali fir-relazzjonijiet internazzjonali ta’ l-Unjoni.

These objectives would guide EU action in the future. Each actor would be called upon to contribute, in full respect of the principle of subsidiarity:

Dawn l-għanijiet għandhom jiggwidaw l-azzjoni ta’ l-UE fil-futur. Kull attur se jiġi mistieden biex jikkontribwixxi, bir-rispett sħiħ tal-prinċipju tas-sussidjarjetà:

- for the Member States and their regions, this would mean further developing their policies in these areas with reference to common objectives and an endeavour to steer joint activities inter alia through an open method of coordination and exploring opportunities offered by EU funding;

- għall-Istati Membri u r-reġjuni tagħhom, dan se jfisser aktar żvilupp tal-politiki tagħhom f’dawn l-oqsma b’referenza għal għanijiet komuni u sforz biex jorjentaw attivitajiet konġunti fost affarijiet oħra permezz ta’ metodu miftuħ ta’ koordinazzjoni u tkixxif ta’ l-opportunitajiet offruti mill-iffinanzjar ta’ l-UE;

- for stakeholders in the field of culture, such as professional organisations, cultural institutions, non-governmental organisations, European networks, foundations, etc., this would mean a close engagement in dialogue with EU institutions and support for the development of new EU policies and actions, as well as developing dialogue among themselves;

- għall-partijiet ikkonċernati fil-qasam tal-kultura, bħalma huma l-organizzazzjonijiet professjonali, l-istituzzjonijiet kulturali, l-organizzazzjonijiet mhux governattivi, in-netwerks Ewropej, il-fondazzjonijiet, eċċ., dan se jfisser kemm impenn mill-viċin fid-djalgu ma’ l-istituzzjonijiet ta’ l-UE u appoġġ għall-iżvilupp ta’ politiki u azzjonijiet ġodda ta’ l-UE, kif ukoll djalogu li jiżviluppa fosthom;

- for the Commission, this would mean mobilising its internal and external policies, Community funding programmes, as well as a renewed role of animation, exchange of good practice and dialogue with the full range of actors;

- għall-Kummissjoni, dan se jfisser kemm il-mobbilizzazzjoni tal-politiki interni u esterni tagħha, tal-programmi ta’ finanzjament Komunitarji, kif ukoll rwol imġedded ta’ animazzjoni, skambju ta’ prattika tajba u djalogu mal-firxa kollha ta’ l-atturi;

- for all actors, this would mean a renewed sense of partnership and ownership of EU action to achieve these objectives.

- għall-atturi kollha, dan se jfisser sens ta’ partenarjat imġedded u adeżjoni ma’ l-azzjoni Komunitarja biex jitwettqu dawn l-għanijiet.

The following section explains each of these broad objectives in greater detail.

It-taqsima segwenti tispjega kull wieħed minn dawn l-għanijiet wesgħin f’aktar dettall.

3.1. Cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue

3.1. Id-diversità kulturali u d-djalogu interkulturali

"It is art that can structure the personalities of young people with a view to open their minds, to instil the respect of others and the desire of peace." Yehudi Menuhin

“Hi l-arti li tista’ tibni l-personalità taż-żgħażagħ bl-iskop li jiftħu moħħhom, sabiex jidħol fihom ir-rispett lejn l-oħrajn u x-xewqa għal paċi” . Yehudi Menuhin

The flowering of the cultures of the Member States in respect of their national and regional diversity is an important EU objective assigned by the EC Treaty. In order to simultaneously bring our common heritage to the fore and recognise the contribution of all cultures present in our societies, cultural diversity needs to be nurtured in a context of openness and exchanges between different cultures. As we live in increasingly multicultural societies, we need therefore to promote intercultural dialogue and intercultural competences. These are also essential in the context of a global economy with regard to enhancing the employability, adaptability and mobility of artists and workers in the cultural sector as well as the mobility of works of art. As citizens are among the main beneficiaries of developing cultural diversity, we need to facilitate their access to culture and cultural works.

It-twarrid tal-kulturi ta’ l-Istati Membri fir-rigward tad-diversità nazzjonali u reġjonali tagħhom hu għan importanti ta’ l-UE assenjat mit-Trattat tal-KE. Sabiex jitressaq fuq quddiemnett il-wirt komuni tagħna b’mod simultanju u sabiex tiġi rikonoxxuta l-kontribuzzjoni tal-kulturi kollha preżenti fis-soċjetajiet tagħna, id-diversità kulturali teħtieġ li tkun sostnuta f’kuntest ta’ ftuħ u skambji bejn id-diversi kulturi. Peress li ngħixu f’soċjetajiet li aktar qed isiru multikulturali, neħtieġu għalhekk li nippromwovu d-djalogu intellettwali u l-kompetenzi interkulturali. Dawn huma wkoll essenzjali fil-kuntest ta’ ekonomija dinjija fir-rigward tat-tkabbir ta’ l-impjegabilità, l-adattazzjoni u l-mobilità ta’ l-artisti u l-ħaddiema fis-settur kulturali kif ukoll il-mobilità tax-xogħlijiet ta’ l-arti. Peress li ċ-ċittadini huma fost il-benefiċjarji prinċipali fl-iżvilupp tad-diversità kulturali, jeħtiġilna niffaċilitaw l-aċċess tagħhom għal kultura u x-xogħlijiet kulturali.

The following specific objectives should be addressed:

L-għanijiet speċifiċi segwenti għandhom jiġu indirizzati:

- Promote the mobility of artists and professionals in the cultural field and the circulation of all artistic expressions beyond national borders:

- Il-promozzjoni tal-mobilità ta’ l-artisti u l-professjonisti fil-qasam kulturali u ċ-ċirkolazzjoni ta’ l-espressjonijiet artistiċi kollha lil hinn mill-fruntieri nazzjonali:

- mobilise public and private resources in favour of the mobility of artists and workers in the cultural sector within the EU;

- il-mobbilizzazzjoni tar-riżorsi publiċi u privati favur il-mobilità ta’ l-artisti u l-ħaddiema fis-settur kulturali fi ħdan l-UE;

- promote the mobility of works of art and other artistic expressions;

- il-promozzjoni tal-mobilità ta’ xogħlijiet artistiċi u ta’ espressjonijiet artistiċi oħra;

- improve European coordination for aspects affecting mobility of cultural workers within the EU in order to take into account the needs resulting from short term and frequent mobility between Member States.

- il-miljorament tal-koordinazzjoni Ewropea għall-aspetti li jaffettwaw il-mobilità tal-ħaddiema kulturali fi ħdan l-UE sabiex jiġu kkunsidrati l-ħtiġijiet li jirriżultaw minn mobilità għal żmien qasir jew frekwenti bejn l-Istati Membri.

- Promote and strengthen intercultural competences and intercultural dialogue, in particular by developing 'cultural awareness and expression', 'social and civic competences' and 'communication in foreign languages', which are part of the key competences for lifelong learning identified by the European Parliament and Council in 2006[12].

- Il-promozzjoni u t-tisħiħ tal-kompetenzi interkulturali u tad-djalogu interkulturali, b’mod partikulari billi jiġu żviluppati ’għarfien u espressjoni kulturali’, ’kompetenzi soċjali u ċiviċi’ u ’komunikazzjoni f’ilsna barranin’, li huma parti mill-kompetenzi prinċipali għat-tagħlim matul il-ħajja identifikati mill-Parlament Ewropew u l-Kunsill fl-2006[12].

3.2. Culture as a catalyst for creativity in the framework of the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs

3.2. Il-kultura bħala katalizzatur għall-kreattività fil-qafas ta’ l-Istrateġija ta’ Liżbona għat-tkabbir u l-impjiegi;

"Intelligence is programmed for the creation of differences." Francesco Alberoni

“L-intelligenza hi pprogrammata għall-ħolqien tad-differenzi” . Francesco Alberoni

Cultural industries and the creative sector are substantially contributing to European GDP, growth and employment. As an illustration, a recent independent study carried out for the Commission estimated that more than 5 million people worked in 2004 for the cultural sector, equivalent to 3.1% of total employed population in EU-25. The cultural sector contributed around 2.6% to the EU GDP in 2003, with growth significantly higher than that of the economy in general between 1999 and 2003[13]. These industries and the creativity which they generate are an essential asset for Europe's economy and competitiveness in a context of globalisation.

L-industriji kulturali u s-settur kreattiv qed jikkontribwixxu b’mod sostanzjali għal PGD Ewropew, it-tkabbir u l-impjiegi. Bħala eżempju, studju reċenti indipendenti mwettaq għall-Kummissjoni kkalkula li aktar minn 5 miljun persuna ħadmet fl-2004 għas-settur kulturali, ekwivalenti għal 3.1% tat-total tal-popolazzjoni impjegata fl-UE25. Is-settur kulturali kkontribwixxa madwar 2.6% tal-PGD ta’ l-UE fl-2003, bi tkabbir b’mod sinifikanti ogħla minn dak ta’ l-ekonomija in ġenerali bejn l-1999 u l-2003[13]. Dawn l-industriji u l-kreattività li jiġġeneraw huma valur essenzjali għall-ekonomija u l-kompetittività Ewropea f’kuntest ta’ globalizzazzjoni.

The role of culture in supporting and fostering creativity and innovation must be explored and promoted. Creativity is the basis for social and technological innovation, and therefore an important driver of growth, competitiveness and jobs in the EU.

Ir-rwol tal-kultura ta’ appoġġ u ta’ inkoraġġament għal kreattività u l-innovazzjoni għandu jiġi studjat u promoss. Il-kreattività hi l-bażi ta’ l-innovazzjoni soċjali u teknoloġika, u għalhekk fattur importanti ta’ tkabbir, kompetittività u impjiegi fl-UE.

The following specific objectives should be addressed:

L-għanijiet speċifiċi segwenti għandhom jiġu indirizzati:

- Promote creativity in education by involving the cultural sector in building on the potential of culture as a concrete input/tool for life-long learning and promoting culture and arts in informal and formal education (including language learning).

- Il-promozzjoni tal-kreattività fl-edukazzjoni bl-involviment tas-settur kulturali li jistrieħ fuq il-potenzal kulturali bħala kontribuzzjoni/għodda konkreta għat-tagħlim matul il-ħajja u l-promozzjoni tal-kultura u l-arti fl-edukazzjoni informali u formali (inkluż it-tagħlim tal-lingwi).

- Promote capacity building in the cultural sector by supporting the training of the cultural sector in managerial competences, entrepreneurship, knowledge of the European dimension/market activities and developing innovative sources of funding, including sponsorship, and improved access to them.

- Il-promozzjoni tat-tisħiħ tal-kapaċità fis-settur kulturali billi jingħata appoġġ lit-taħriġ tas-settur kulturali fil-kompetenzi maniġerjali, fl-intraprenditorija, fl-għarfien tad-dimensjoni Ewropea/ta’ l-attivitajiet tas-suq u billi jiġu żviluppati sorsi innovattivi ta’ finanzjament, inklużi l-għoti ta’ flus, u aċċess imtejjeb għalihom.

- Develop creative partnerships between the cultural sector and other sectors (ICTs, research, tourism, social partners, etc) to reinforce the social and economic impact of investments in culture and creativity, in particular with regard to the promotion of growth and jobs and the development and attractiveness of regions and cities.

- L-iżvilupp ta’ partenarjati kreattivi bejn is-settur kulturali u setturi oħra (ICTs, riċerka, turiżmu, imsieħba soċjali, eċċ) biex jissaħħaħ l-impatt soċjali u ekonomiku ta’ l-investimenti fil-kultura u l-kreattività, b’mod partikulari fir-rigward tal-promozzjoni tat-tkabbir u l-impjiegi u l-iżvilupp u l-attrazzjoni tar-reġjuni u l-ibliet.

3.3. Culture as a vital element in international relations

3.3. Il-kultura bħala element indispensabbli fir-relazzjonijiet internazzjonali

"Any culture is born in mixing, in interaction, in confrontation. Conversely, it is in isolation that civilization dies." Octavio Paz

“Kull kultura titwieled permezz ta’ taħlit, interazzjoni, konfrontazzjoni. Bil-maqlub, hu l-isolament li joqtol iċ-ċivilizzazzjoni.” Octavio Paz

As parties to the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and the Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the Community and the Member States have reaffirmed their commitment to developing a new and more pro-active cultural role for Europe in the context of Europe's international relations and to integrating the cultural dimension as a vital element in Europe's dealings with partner countries and regions. This should help promoting knowledge of and understanding for Europe's cultures throughout the world.

Bħala partijiet tal-Konvenzjoni tal-UNESCO dwar il-Protezzjoni u l-Promozzjoni tad-Diversità ta’ l-Espressjonijiet Kulturali, il-Komunità u l-Istati Membri affermaw mill-ġdid l-impenn tagħhom li jiżviluppaw rwol kulturali ġdid aktar pro-attiv għall-Ewropa fil-kuntest tar-relazzjonijiet internazzjonali ta’ l-Ewropa u li jintegraw id-dimensjoni kulturali bħala element indispensabbli fit-trattazzjonijiet ta’ l-Ewropa ma’ pajjiżi sħab u reġjuni. Dan għandu jgħin fil-promozzjoni ta’ l-għarfien u l-komprensjoni tal-kulturi ta’ l-Ewropa madwar id-dinja.

To achieve this integration it is crucial to develop active inter-cultural dialogue with all countries and all regions, taking advantage for example of Europe's language links with many countries. In this context, it is also important to promote the richness of cultural diversity of our partners, to serve local identities, to promote access to culture of local populations and develop an economic resource which can have a direct impact on socio-economic development.

Biex titwettaq din l-integrazzjoni hu kruċjali li jiġi żviluppat djalogu attiv interkulturali mal-pajjiżi kollha u mar-reġjuni kollha, għandu jkun ta’ vantaġġ pereżempju l-irbit lingwistiku Ewropew ma’ ħafna pajjiżi. F’dan il-kuntest, hu importanti wkoll li tiġi promossa r-rikkezza tad-diversità kulturali ta’ sħabna, biex jiġu servuti l-identitajiet lokali, jiġi promoss aċċess għal kultura tal-popolazzjonijiet lokali u jiġi żviluppat sors ekonomiku li jista’ jħalli impatt dirett fuq l-iżvilupp soċjo-ekonomiku.

Bearing that in mind, the EU will follow a 'twin-track' approach, consisting of:

Filwaqt li nżommu dan quddiem għajnejna, l-UE se tadotta avviċinament ta’ “żewġ rotot tewmin”, li jikkonsisti:

- the systematic integration of the cultural dimension and different components of culture in all external and development policies, projects and programmes - as a means of strengthening the quality of its diplomatic efforts, and the viability and sustainability of all EU cooperation activities; and

- fl-integrazzjoni sistematika tad-dimensjoni kulturali u fid-diversi komponenti tal-kultura fil-politika esterna u ta’ żvilupp, fil-proġetti u l-programmi kollha - bħala mezz ta’ tisħiħ tal-kwalità ta’ l-isforzi diplomatiċi kollha tagħha, u tal-viżibilità u s-sostenibilità ta’ l-attivitajiet kollha ta’ kooperazzjoni ta’ l-UE; u

- support for specific cultural actions and events – Culture is a resource in its own right, and access to culture should be considered as a priority in development policies.

- fl-appoġġ għal azzjonijiet u avvenimenti kulturali speċifiċi – il-Kultura hi riżorsa fih infisha, u l-aċċess għal kultura għandu jitqies bħala prijorità fl-iżvilupp tal-politiki.

The following specific objectives should be addressed:

L-għanijiet speċifiċi segwenti għandhom jiġu indirizzati:

- to further develop political dialogue with all countries and regions in the field of culture and promote cultural exchanges between the EU and third countries and regions;

- biex jiġi żviluppat aktar id-djalogu politiku mal-pajjiżi u r-reġjuni kollha fil-qasam tal-kultura u jiġu promossi l-iskambji kulturali bejn l-UE u r-reġjuni u l-pajjiżi terzi;

- to promote market access, both to European and other markets, for cultural goods and services from developing countries through targeted actions as well as through agreements that grant preferential treatment or trade-related assistance measures;

- biex jiġi promoss l-aċċess għas-suq, kemm għas-swieq Ewropej kif ukoll għal swieq oħrajn, għal prodotti u servizzi kulturali minn pajjiżi li qed jiżviluppaw permezz ta’ azzjonijiet immirati kif ukoll permezz ta’ ftehimiet li jagħtu trattament preferenzjali jew miżuri ta’ assistenza relatati mal-kummerċ;

- to use its external and development policies to protect and promote cultural diversity through financial and technical support for, on the one hand, the preservation of and access to cultural heritage and, on the other, the active encouragement and promotion of cultural activities across the world;

- biex jintużaw il-politiki esterni u ta’ żvilupp tagħha ħalli minn banda jiġu pproteġuti u promossi d-diversità kulturali permezz ta’ appoġġ finanzjarju u tekniku għall-preservazzjoni ta’ u l-aċċess għal wirt kulturali u, mill-banda l-oħra, jingħata inkoraġġiment attiv u promozzjoni għall-attivitajiet kultural madwar id-dinja;

- to ensure that all its cooperation programmes and projects take full account, in their design and their implementation, of local culture and contribute to increase people’s access to culture and to the means of cultural expression, including people-to-people contacts. Especially important is education, including advocacy for the integration of culture in education curricula at all levels in developing countries;

- biex jiġi żgurat li l-programmi u l-proġetti ta’ kooperazzjoni kollha tagħha jikkunsidraw, fit-tfassil u fl-implementazzjoni tagħhom, tal-kultura lokali u jikkontribwixxu biex jiżdied l-aċċess tan-nies għall-kultura u għall-mezzi ta’ espressjoni kulturali, inklużi l-kuntatti interpersonali. L-edukazzjoni hi element partikularment importanti, li tinkludi l-promozzjoni ta’ l-integrazzjoni tal-kultura fil-kurrikula ta’ l-edukazzjoni fil-livelli kollha fil-pajjiżi li qed jiżviluppaw;

- to promote the active involvement of the EU in the work of international organisations dealing with culture, and in the United Nations ‘Alliance of Civilisations’ process.

- biex jiġi promoss l-involviment attiv ta’ l-UE fil-ħidma ta’ l-organizzazzjonijiet internazzjonali li għandhom x’jaqsmu mal-kultura, u fil-proċess ’Alleanza taċ-Ċivilizzazzjonijiet’ tan-Nazzjonijiet Uniti.

4. NEW PARTNERSHIPS AND WORKING METHODS

4. PARTENRJATI U METODI TA’ ħIDMA ġODDA

In order to deliver its agenda for culture, Europe must rely on a solid partnership between all actors, which has four essential dimensions.

Sabiex timplimenta l-aġenda għall-kultura tagħha, l-Ewropa għandha tistrieħ fuq partenarjat solidu bejn l-atturi kollha, li għandu erba’ dimensjonijiet essenzjali.

4.1. Further developing dialogue with the cultural sector

4.1. It-tkomplija tad-djalogu mas-settur kulturali

The Commission is committed to pursuing a structured dialogue with the sector, which would provide a framework for the regular exchange of views and best practices, input into the policy-making process, follow-up and evaluation.

Il-Kummissjoni hi impenjata li tkompli djalogu strutturat mas-settur, li għandu jipprovdi qafas għall-iskambju regolari ta’ l-opinjonijiet u ta’ l-aħjar prattiċi, kontribuzzjoni fil-proċess tat-tfassil tal-politiki, segwitu u valutazzjoni.

For reasons of legitimacy, the cultural sector should continue organising itself as far as possible in order to permit the identification of representative interlocutors. The Commission welcomes the progressive structuring already taking place with the emergence of some representative organisations as well as some cooperation structures such as a civil society platform on intercultural dialogue.

Għal raġunijiet ta’ leġittmità, is-settur kulturali għandu jkompli jorganizza lilu nnifsu kemm jista’ jkun possibbli sabiex jippermetti l-identifikazzjoni ta’ interlokuturi rappreżentattivi. Il-Kummissjoni tilqa’ l-istrutturar progressiv li diġà qed jitwettaq kemm bit-tfaċċar ta’ xi organizzazzjonijiet rappreżentattivi kif ukoll b’xi strutturi operattivi bħalma hi l-pjattaforma tas-soċjetà ċivili dwar id-djalogu interkulturali.

The Commission recognises, however, the special characteristics of the sector, notably its heterogeneity (professional organisations, cultural institutions with different degrees of independence, non-governmental organisations, European and non EU networks, foundations, etc), as well as the lack of communication in the past between the cultural industries and other cultural actors, and the challenges which this poses with regard to greater structuring of the sector. The effect of this has been to diminish the voice of the cultural sector at the European level.

Madankollu, il-Kummissjoni tirrikonoxxi, il-karatteristiċi speċjali tas-settur, notevolment l-eteroġeneità tiegħu (organizzazzjonijiet professjonali, istituzzjonijiet kulturali bi gradi differenti ta’ indipendenza, organizzazzjonijiet mhux governattivi, netwerks Ewropej u mhux, fondazzjonijiet, eċċ), kif ukoll in-nuqqas ta’ komunikazzjoni fil-passat bejn l-industriji kulturali u atturi kulturali oħra, u l-isfidi li dan joħloq fir-rigward ta’ strutturar akbar tas-settur. L-effett ta’ dan kien li jitnaqqas il-vuċi tas-settur kulturali fil-livell Ewropew.

With a view to developing a better dialogue between the Commission and these different actors, the Commission proposes the following steps:

Bl-għan li jiġi żviluppat djalogu aħjar bejn il-Kummissjoni u dawn id-diversi atturi, l-Kummissjoni tipproponi l-miżuri li ġejjin:

- to undertake a mapping of the sector in order to identify and better understand the full range of its stakeholders;

- li tistabbilixxi kartografija tas-settur sabiex tidentifika u tifhem aħjar il-firxa sħiħa tal-partijiet interessati tiegħu;

- to set up a "Cultural Forum" for consulting stakeholders and to foster the emergence of a self-structuring platform or a set of stakeholder platforms;

- li tistabbilixxi “Forum Kulturali” biex tikkonsulta l-partijiet interessati u tinkoraġġixxi t-tfaċċar ta’ pjattaforma li tistruttura lilha nfisha jew sett ta’ pjattaformi tal-partijiet interessati;

- to encourage the expression of representative views by individual artists and intellectuals at the European level (“cultural ambassadors”), including exploring the opportunity and feasibility of an on-line virtual European forum allowing for the exchange of views, artistic expression and reaching out to citizens;

- li tinkoraġġixxi l-espressjoni ta’ opinjonijiet rappreżentattivi minn artisti u intellettwali individwali fil-livell Ewropew (“ambaxxaturi kulturali”), inklużi l-esplorazzjoni ta’ l-opportunità u l-possibbiltà ta’ forum virtwali on-line Ewropew li jippermetti l-iskambju ta’ l-opinjonijiet, l-espressjoni artistika u li jilħaq liċ-ċittadini;

- to encourage social partners in the cultural sectors to further develop their autonomous social dialogue under Articles 138 and 139 of the Treaty. On this basis, sectoral social dialogue committees already exist for the live performing arts and the audiovisual sector;

- li tinkoraġġixxi lill-imsieħba soċjali fis-setturi kulturali sabiex jiżviluppaw aktar id-djalogu awtonomu u soċjali tagħhom skond l-Artikoli 138 u 139 tat-Trattat. Abbażi ta’ dan, jeżistu diġà kumitati settorjali għad-djalogu soċjali għall-arti ta’ l-ispettaklu ħaj u għas-settur awdjoviżiv;

- to bring a cultural dimension to European public debates by using the representations of the Commission. Putting culture at the centre stage will enhance dialogue and reach out to new audiences.

- li twassal dimensjoni kulturali lid-dibattiti pubbliċi Ewropej billi tuża r-rappreżentanzi tal-Kummissjoni. It-tqegħid tal-kultura fiċ-ċentru se jkabbar id-djalogu u jilħaq udjenzi ġodda.

4.2. Setting up an open method of coordination

4.2. L-implimentazzjoni ta’ metodu miftuħ ta’ koordinazzjoni

As mentioned earlier, the Member States adopted a joint work plan in the Council for 2005-2007. The work plan now needs to be renewed and the Commission believes that the time is ripe for Member States to take their cooperation one step further, by using the open method of coordination (OMC) as a mechanism to do so, in a spirit of partnership.

Kif intqal hawn fuq, l-Istati Membri adottaw pjan ta’ ħidma komuni fil-Kunsill għall-2005-2007. Il-pjan ta’ ħidma għandu bżonn jiġġedded u l-Kummissjoni temmen li l-mument hu adatt għall-Istati Membri li jagħmlu pass ieħor fil-kooperazzjoni tagħhom, billi jużaw il-metodu miftuħ ta’ kooperazzjoni (OMC) bħala mekkaniżmu biex jagħmlu dan, fi spirtu ta’ partenarjat.

The OMC offers an appropriate framework for cooperation in the field of culture between the Member States. It is a non-binding, intergovernmental framework for policy exchange and concerted action suitable for a field such as this, where competence remains very much at Member State level. It consists of agreeing common objectives, regularly following up progress towards them and exchanging best practice and relevant data in order to foster mutual learning.

L-OMC joffri qafas adatt għal kooperazzjoni fil-qasam tal-kultura bejn l-Istati Membri. Dan hu qafas intergovernattiv li ma jorbotx għall-iskambju tal-politiki u għal azzjonijiet miftiehma adatti għal qasam ta’ din ix-xorta, fejn il-kompetenzi jibqgħu fil-parti l-kbira fil-livell ta’ l-Istat Membru. Dan jikkonsisti fi ftehim dwar għanijiet komuni, f’kontroll regolari tal-progressi milħuqa tat-twettiq tagħhom u fi skambju ta’ l-aħjar prattika u data rilevanti sabiex jiġi inkoraġġut it-tagħlim reċiproku.

OMC exist in the fields of employment, social protection, education and youth. The OMC in these areas have helped to strengthen Member States' policy making, as regular participation in a European process raises the profile of these policies at the national level and creates an additional stimulus for them. It also enables Member States to learn from one another. And it allows the actors in these policy fields to have a voice at the European level which they would not otherwise have.

L-OMC jeżisti fl-oqsma ta’ l-impjiegi, il-protezzjoni soċjali, l-edukazzjoni u ż-żgħażagħ. L-OMC f’dawn l-oqsma għen biex jissaħħaħ it-tfassil tal-politiki ta’ l-Istati Membri, peress li l-parteċipazzjoni regolari fil-proċess Ewropew italla’ l-profil ta’ dawn il-politiki għal-livell nazzjonali u toħloq stimulu addizzjonali għalihom. Hu jagħmilha wkoll possibbli għall-Istati Membri li jitgħallmu minn xulxin. U jippermetti lill-atturi f’dawn l-oqsma ta’ politiki li jkollhom vuċi fil-livell Ewropew li ma jistax jingħatalhom b’mod ieħor.

It is essential, however, for the special features of the cultural sector to be fully taken into account in the design of an OMC in this area. In a spirit of partnership with Member States, this implies adopting a flexible approach, entailing the setting of general objectives with a light regular reporting system.

Hu essenzjali, għaldaqstant, li l-aspetti speċjali tas-settur kulturali jiġu kkunsidrati b’mod sħiħ fid-definizzjoni ta’ l-OMC f’dan il-qasam. Fi spirtu ta’ partenarjat ma’ l-Istati Membri, dan jimplika l-adozzjoni ta’ avviċinament flessibbli, li jinvolvi l-iffissar ta’ għanijiet ġenerali b’sistema ħafifa u regolari ta’ rapportar.

The Commission proposes that acting on the basis of this Communication, the Council of Ministers endorses the objectives suggested above, setting priorities and agreeing on a biennial follow-up exercise. As part of this exercise, the Commission would draft a joint report with high level representatives of Member States every two years summarising main issues and trends and discussing progress across Member States with regard to the common objectives.

Il-Kummissjoni tipproponi abbażi ta’ din il-Komunikazzjoni, li l-Kunsill tal-Ministri jadotta l-għanijiet issuġġeriti hawn fuq, filwaqt li jiffissa l-prijoritajiet u jiftiehem dwar eżerċizzju ta’ segwitu ta’ kull sentejn. Bħala parti minn dan l-eżerċizzju, il-Kummissjoni se tabbozza kull sentejn rapport konġunt flimkien ma’ rappreżentanti għolja ta’ l-Istati Membri fejn tiġbor fil-qosor il-kwistjonijiet u t-tendenzi prinċipali u tiddiskuti l-progress fost l-Istati Membri fir-rigward ta’ l-għanijiet komuni.

Member States would be encouraged to fully associate local and regional authorities and national cultural stakeholders in the follow-up process and to describe in their national reports how they have been involved. At EU level, the Commission would involve stakeholders in the process through the Cultural Forum indicated above. In the year preceding the publication of the report, the Commission would organise a meeting in order to gather inputs from civil society.

L-Istati Membri se jiġu inkoraġġuti biex jassoċjaw b’mod sħiħ l-awtoritajiet lokali u reġjonali u l-partijiet interessati kulturali nazzjonali fil-proċess ta’ segwitu u biex jiddeskrivu fir-rapporti nazzjonali tagħhom kif ġew involuti. Fil-livell ta’ l-UE, il-Kummissjoni se tinvolvi l-partijiet interessati fil-proċess permezz tal-Forum Kulturali msemmi hawn fuq. Fis-sena ta’ qabel il-pubblikazzjoni tar-rapport, il-Kummissjoni se torganizza laqgħa sabiex tiġbor il-kontribuzzjonijiet mis-soċjetà ċivil.

The European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions should be involved in the process.

Il-Parlament Ewropew, il-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali u l-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni għandhom ikunu involuti fil-proċess.

In pursuing the objectives of external relations, the relevant external EU framework, including the Foreign Affairs Ministers, would be involved as appropriate. The Commission would seek, together with the Member States, to increase EU-wide coordination of activities regarding cultural cooperation. This would include the identification and exchange of best practices. The preparation of Country Strategy Papers and Joint Assistance Strategies would continue to be a focus for enhanced coordination and harmonisation efforts.

Fit-twettiq ta’ dawn l-għanijiet ta’ relazzjonijiet esterni, il-qafas ta’ ħidma rilevanti estern ta’ l-UE, inklużi l-Ministri ta’ l-Affarijiet Barranin, se jkunu involuti kif adatt. Il-Kummissjoni għandha tfittex, flimkien ma’ l-Istati Membri, li tkabbar il-koordinazzjoni ta’ l-UE fl-attivitajiet li jirrigwardaw il-kooperazzjoni kulturali. Din għandha tinkludi l-identifikazzjoni u l-iskambju ta’ l-aħjar prattiċi. Il-preparazzjoni ta’ Dokumenti Strateġiċi Nazzjonali u Strateġiji Konġunti ta’ Assistenza se tkompli tkun fil-qalba ta’ l-isforzi biex jiżdiedu l-isforzi tal-koordinazzjoni u l-armonizzazzjoni.

4.3. Supporting evidence-based policy-making

4.3. Appoġġ lill-elaborazzjoni tal-politiki bbażati fuq il-fatti

The Commission will play a supporting and coordinating role, where appropriate, in relation to each of the above objectives and the proposed OMC.

Il-Kummissjoni se jkollha rwol ta’ appoġġ u ta’ koordinazzjoni, fejn adatt, fir-rigward ta’ kull wieħed mill-għanijiet imsemmija hawn fuq u fil-proposti ta’ l-OMC.

The pursuit of the above objectives implies improving understanding of the contribution of the cultural sector to the Lisbon agenda in order to facilitate evidence-based policy. It involves sharing existing data, case studies, cooperation on evaluation and impact analysis methodologies. However it also requires reviewing and, where necessary, improving national statistical information and ensuring better comparability of national statistics, coordinated by Eurostat.

Is-segwitu ta’ l-għanijiet imsemmija hawn fuq jimplika t-titjib tal-komprensjoni tal-kontribuzzjoni tas-settur kulturali għall-Aġenda ta’ Liżbona sabiex tiġi ffaċilitata politika bbażata fuq l-evidenza. Dan jinvolvi l-iskambju tad- data u l-istudji ta’ każijiet eżistenti u l-kooperazzjoni dwar il-metodoloġiji tal-valutazzjoni u ta’ l-analiżi ta’ impatt. Madankollu jeħtieġ ukoll li ssir analiżi u, fejn neċessarju, titjib tat-tagħrif statistiku u jiġi żgurat tqabil ta’ l-istatistiċi nazzjonali, ikkoordinat mill-EUROSTAT.

In this context, the Commission will launch a series of studies and inter-service cooperation, to support the proposed objectives and evidence-based policy-making and actions. It will stimulate the networking of actors involved in impact assessment and cultural policy evaluation at European, national, regional or local level.

F’dan il-kuntest, il-Kummissjoni se tniedi sensiela ta’ studji u kooperazzjoni bejn is-servizzi biex tappoġġa l-għanijiet proposti u l-elaborazzjoni ta’ politiki bbażati fuq fatti u azzjonijiet. Hi se tinkoraġġixxi t-twaqqif ta’ kuntatti bejn l-atturi involuti fil-valutazzjoni ta’ impatt u l-valutazzjoni tal-politika kulturali fil-livell Ewropew, nazzjonali, reġjonali u lokali.

4.4. Mainstreaming culture in all relevant policies

4.4. L-integrazzjoni tal-kultura fil-politiki rilevanti kollha

Article 151(4) of the EC Treaty calls on the Community to take cultural aspects into account in its action under the other provisions of the Treaty, in particular in order to respect and promote the diversity of its cultures.

L-Artikolu 151(4) tat-Trattat jipprevedi li l-Komunità għandha tagħti kas ta’ l-aspetti kulturali fl-azzjonijiet tagħha taħt dispożizzjonijiet oħra tat-Trattat, partikularment sabiex tirrispetta u tippromwovi d-diversità tal-kulturi tagħha.

To better serve this task, the Commission shall strengthen its internal inter-service coordination and deepen its analysis of the interface between cultural diversity and other Community policies in order to strike the right balance between different legitimate public policy objectives, including the promotion of cultural diversity, when making decisions or proposals of a regulatory or financial nature. For example, the Commission has recently created a new inter-service group to this effect.

Biex twettaq aħjar dan l-impenn, il-Kummissjoni għandha ssaħħaħ il-koordinazzjoni interna bejn is-servizzi u tapprofondixxi l-analiżi tagħha ta’ l-interazzjoni bejn id-diversità kulturali u l-politiki Komunitarji sabiex toħloq bilanċ xieraq bejn diversi għanijiet leġittimi ta’ politika pubblika, inkluża l-promozzjoni tad-diversità kulturali, meta jittieħdu d-deċiżjonijiet jew isiru proposti ta’ natura regolatorja jew finanzjarja. Pereżempju, il-Kummissjoni reċentement ħolqot grupp ġdid bejn is-servizzi biex jintlaħaq dan l-iskop.

With regard to the external dimension, particular attention is paid to multi- and intercultural and inter-religious dialogue, promoting understanding between the EU and international partners and reaching out increasingly to a broader audience in partner countries. In this context, education and particularly human rights education play a significant role. The new Erasmus Mundus programme will contribute to this. The Commission supports dialogue and culture-related activities in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the "Investing in People" programme, institutions such as the Anna Lindh Foundation in the Euro-Mediterranean region, as well as within the UN Alliance of Civilisations. With some partner countries in the ENP region, in Asia and elsewhere, specific cultural cooperation programmes are established (like the Culture Fund for India). These activities are of an interdependent nature.

Fir-rigward tad-dimensjoni esterna, qed tingħata attenzjoni partikulari lid-djalogu multikulturali u interkulturali u lid-djalogu bejn ir-reliġjonijiet, li jippromwovi l-komprensjoni bejn l-UE u s-sħab internazzjonali u li jilħqu aktar udjenza akbar fil-pajjiżi sħab. F’dan il-kuntest, l-edukazzjoni u partikularment l-edukazzjoni ta’ drittijiet umani għandhom rwol sinifikanti. Il-programm il-ġdid Erasmus Mundus se jikkontribwixxi għal dan. Il-Kummissjoni tappoġġa d-djalogu u l-attivitajiet relatati mal-kultura fil-qafas tal-Politika Ewropea tal-Viċinat (ENP), il-programm “Investiment fir-Riżorsi Umani”, fl-istituzzjonijiet bħall-Fondazzjoni Anna Lindh fir-reġjun Ewro-Mediterran, kif ukoll fi ħdan l-Alleanza taċ-Ċivilizzazzjonijiet tan-NU. Flimkien ma’ xi pajjiżi sħab fir-reġjun ta’ l-ENP, fl-Asja u bnadi oħra, programmi ta’ kooperazzjoni kulturali huma stabbiliti (bħalma hu l-Fond Kulturali għall-Indja). Dawn l-attivitajiet huma ta’ natura interdipendenti.

In order to efficiently support cultural specific actions in ACP countries, the European Commission is proposing to create a EU-ACP Cultural Fund as a joint European contribution to supporting the distribution and in some cases the production of ACP cultural goods. This Fund will encourage the emergence of local markets and industries, thus facilitating and encouraging the access of local people to culture and to the various means of cultural expression, and will also increase the access of ACP cultural goods to European markets through a better access to distribution networks and platforms in the EU.

Sabiex jiġu appoġġati b’mod effiċjenti azzjonijiet kulturali speċifiċi fil-pajjiżi ta’ l-AKP, il-Kummissjoni Ewropea qed tipproponi li jinħoloq Fond Kulturali UE-AKP bħala kontribuzzjoni konġunta Ewropea biex tiġi appoġġata d-distribuzzjoni u f’ċerti każijiet il-produzzjoni tal-prodotti kulturali ta’ l-AKP. Il-Fond se jinkoraġġixxi t-tfaċċar ta’ swieq u industriji lokali, biex b’hekk jiġi ffaċilitat u inkoraġġut l-aċċess tan-nies lokali għall-kultura u għad-diversi mezzi ta’ espressjoni kulturali, u se jkabbar ukoll l-aċċess għall-prodotti kulturali ta’ l-AKP għas-swieq Ewropej permezz ta’ aċċess aħjar għan-netwerks u l-pjattaforom distributtivi fl-UE.

The 10th European Development Fund will provide a start-up for funding this Fund that will be complemented by EU Member States contributions.

L-10 Fond Ewropew għall-Iżvilupp se jipprovdi bidu sabiex jiġi ffinanzjat dan il-Fond li se jiġi kkomplementat permezz tal-kontribuzzjonijiet ta’ l-Istati Membri ta’ l-UE.

5. CONCLUSION

5. KONKLUżJONI

" Culture is not a luxury, but a necessity ." Gao Xingjian

“Il-Kultura mhux lussu, iżda neċessità” Gao Xingjian

The Commission considers that the time is ripe for a new European agenda for culture, which takes account of the realities of today's globalizing world.

Il-Kummissjoni tikkunsidra li l-mument hu adatt għal aġenda ġdida Ewropea għal kultura, li tikkunsidra r-realtajiet tad-dinja ta’ llum li qed tiġi gglobablizzata.

This Communication puts forward concrete proposals both with regard to a set of shared objectives and new methods for stepping up cultural cooperation in the EU.

Din il-Komunikazzjoni tressaq proposti konkreti kemm fir-rigward ta’ sett ta’ għanijiet komuni kif ukoll ta’ metodi ġodda biex tiżdied il-kooperazzjoni kulturali fl-UE.

The European Parliament, the Council, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee are invited to react to this Communication.

Il-Parlament Ewropew, il-Kunsill, il-Kumitat tar-Reġjuni u l-Kumitat Ekonomiku u Soċjali huma mistiedna jirreaġixxu għal din il-Komunikazzjoni.

The Council is invited to take the appropriate steps to decide on a set of shared objectives and on an appropriate reporting process within the proposed open method of coordination, and the European Council to endorse them in its conclusions.[pic][pic][pic]

Il-Kunsill hu mitlub jieħu l-passi meħtieġa biex jiddeċiedi dwar sett ta’ għanijiet komuni u dwar proċess adatt ta’ rapportar fi ħdan il-metodu miftuħ ta’ kooperazzjoni li qed jiġi propost, u l-Kunsill Ewropew biex japprovahom fil-konklużjonijiet tiegħu.[pic][pic][pic]

[1] See http://ec.europa.eu/culture/eac/communication/consult_en.html andhttp://ec.europa.eu/development/body/theme/human_social/pol_culture1_en.htm

[1] Ara http://ec.europa.eu/culture/eac/communication/consult_en.html uhttp://ec.europa.eu/development/body/theme/human_social/pol_culture1_en.htm

[2] For further details, see the annexed staff working paper "Inventory of Community actions in the field of culture".

[2] Għal aktar dettalji, ara d-dokument ta’ ħidma ta’ l-istaff anness “Inventarju ta’ l-azzjonijiet Komunitarji fil-qasam tal-kultura”.

[3] Decision No 1855/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 (OJ L 372, 27.12.2006).

[3] Id-Deċiżjoni Nru 1855/2006/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat-12 ta’ Diċembru 2006 (ĠU L 372, 27.12.2006).

[4] Decision No 1904/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 (OJ L 378, 27.12.2006).

[4] Id-Deċiżjoni Nru 1904/2006/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat-12 ta’ Diċembru 2006 (ĠU L 378, 27.12.2006).

[5] Decision No 1718/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 November 2006 (OJ L 327, 24.11.2006).

[5] Id-Deċiżjoni Nru 1718/2006/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat-15 ta’ Novembru 2006 (ĠU L 327, 24. 11. 2006).

[6] ‘Aid to promote culture and heritage conservation where such aid does not affect trading conditions and competition in the Community to an extent that is contrary to the common interest, may be considered to be compatible with the common market’.

[6] ’għajnuna biex tiġi promossa l-kultura u l-preservazzjoni tal-patrimonju meta din l-għajnuna ma tolqotx il-kondizzjonijiet tal-kummerċ u tal-kompetizzjoni fil-komunità sa grad li jkun kuntrarju għall-interess komuni, tista’ tiġi kkunsidrata li hi kompatibbli mas-suq komuni’.

[7] Decision No 1983/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 (OJ L 412, 30.12.2006).

[7] Id-Deċiżjoni Nru 1983/2006/KE tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat-18 ta’ Diċembru 2006 (ĠU L 412, 30.12.2006).

[8] Conclusions of the 2616th Council meeting Education, Youth and Culture, 15-16 November 2004.

[8] Il-konklużjonijiet tal-2616-il laqgħa tal-Kunsill Edukazzjoni, Żgħażagħ u Kultura, 15-16 ta’ Novembru 2004.

[9] Ref. Report on cultural cooperation in the European Union – Giorgio Ruffolo - A5-0281/2001.

[9] Ref. Ir-Rapport dwar il-kooperazzjoni kulturali fl-Unjoni Ewropea – Giorgio Ruffolo – A5-0281/2001.

[10] Such as the Cotonou Agreement with the African, Caribbean and Pacific States, the Neighbourhood and Partnership Programme with neighbouring countries and Russia, and the Development and Cooperation instrument concerning Asia and Central and Latin America.

[10] Bħalma huma l-Ftehim ta’ Cotonou ma’ l-Istati Afrikani, tal-Karibew u l-Paċifiku, il-Programm tal-Viċinat u l-Partenarjat ma’ pajjiżi ġirien u r-Russja, u l-istrument ta’ l-Iżvilupp u l-Kooperazzjoni li jikkonċerna l-Asja u l-Amerika Ċentrali u Latina.

[11] When the European Council approved the Commission’s proposal ‘Europe in the World – Some Practical Proposals for Greater Coherence, Effectiveness and Visibility’ – COM(2006) 278.

[11] Meta l-Kunsill Ewropew approva l-proposta tal-Kummissjoni ’L-Ewropa fid-Dinja – Proposti Prattiċi għal Koerenza, Effettività u Viżibilità Akbar’- KUMM(2006) 278.

[12] Recommendation 2006/962/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 on key competences for lifelong learning (OJ L 394, 30.12.2006, p. 10).

[12] Ir-Rakkomandazzjoni tal-Parlament Ewropew u tal-Kunsill tat-18 ta’ Diċembru 2006 dwar il-kompetenzi ewlenin għat-tagħlim tul il-ħajja (2006/962/KE) (ĠU L 394, 30.12.2006, p. 10).

[13] See study on the Economy of Culture in Europe, conducted by KEA for the European Commission, 2006, at http://ec.europa.eu/culture/eac/sources_info/studies/studies_en.html.

[13] Ara l-istudju dwar l-Ekonomija tal-Kultura fl-Ewropa, imwettaq mill-KEA għall-Kummissjoni Ewropea, 2006 fl-indirizz http://ec.europa.eu/culture/eac/sources_info/studies/studies_en.html..