1. Culture and regional development What’s new?

2. Culture as strategic investment for EU regions? catalyst for economic development engine for creativity and innovation in knowledge society tool for social and territorial cohesion

3. Which Culture? the Core: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Heritage Literature Cultural Industries: Film and Video, Television and radio, Video games, Music, Books and press Creative Industries & Activities: Design, Fashion Architecture Advertising Related Activities: Cultural tourism ICT industries (PC & MP3 manufacturers, mobile industry, etc…

4. Culture: a fast growing sector Employment: 5.8 mio employees (3.1% of total employed population in EU25) Contribution to growth: 2,6 % of EU GDP (higher than EU average, 1999-2003) Turnover: 654 bn EUR in 2003 (data from study on ‘the Economy of Culture’, 2006)

5. in a nutshell culture/creative sector: relevant to the European project for economic and societal reasons

6. A big step: first policy framework for culture at EU level Shared policy objectives promote cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue promote culture as catalyst for creativity promote culture as vital element in international relations New working methods (Member States, civil society, EC) Triennial work plans with priority areas for action European Agenda for Culture (November 2007)

7. Member States: open method of coordination (four expert groups) Civil society: structured dialogue (thematic platforms) Commission: mainstream culture in EC policies/programmes (Inter-service Working Group) New working methods

8. Milestones in 2010 First report on European Agenda for culture and preparation of work plan after 2010 Study on culture and regional development Green Paper on unlocking the potential of cultural and creative industries (public consultation) Council Conclusions on culture and regional development (May Council)

9. Links with Cohesion policy Community Strategic Guidelines for Cohesion Policy 2007-2013 attractiveness of EU regions, competitive growth (innovation, entrepreneurship, knowledge economy), more and better jobs Culture and structural funds 6 bn € what about RTD and innovation, information society, urban and rural regeneration, tourism, human capital/skills?  Tap into the potential of the cultural/creative sectors: cultural heritage, infrastructure and services, tourism, urban development and rural diversification, but also creative economy (clustering), open innovation, improving human capital

10. Culture-based development strategy Sequential, flexible, longterm Policy leadership Creating the foundation Sound development Exploiting creative advantages Proper support Flying high

11. CULTURE AS POLICY OPTION FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT Integrated approach + bottom up & interdisciplinary Long-term perspective and commitment What investments? Not a matter of formulation but of interpretation Culture in a competitive, inclusive and sustainable Europe (EU 2020 and cohesion policy after 2013)

12. Thank you for your attention ! Anna Athanasopoulou, DG Education and Culture anna.athanasopoulou@ec.europa.eu anna.athanasopoulou@ec.europa.eu http://ec.europa.eu/culture/our-policy- development/doc399_en.htm