Speech: Cultural diversity, global politics and the role of Europe

Text of a speech by Androulla Vassiliou, member of the European Commission for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, at the Harvard University-Boston, 28 February 2014. The European Commissioner spoke about the place of cultural diversity in global politics, and the role of Europe in promoting and safeguarding such diversity.

She intended to focus on culture and intercultural dialogue in the process of European integration as well as in the European Union's external relations. And she argued that culture, as a vector for statements of identity and difference, and for the transmission of values and symbols, holds a prominent if sometimes hidden place in the European project.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Education and culture – a linchpin for economic success and peace http://www.europeansources.info/record/speech-education-and-culture-a-linchpin-for-economic-success-and-peace/

ESO: Background information: Investment in education and training must continue http://www.europeansources.info/record/speech-investment-in-education-and-training-must-continue/

ESO: Background information: Vassiliou in Athens: Education and creativity are key to innovation and employment http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-vassiliou-in-athens-education-and-creativity-are-key-to-innovation-and-employment/

ESO: Background information: 'Culture and Creativity: Europe's regions and cities making a difference' http://www.europeansources.info/record/speech-culture-and-creativity-europes-regions-and-cities-making-a-difference/

The Guardian, 24.04.14: Do you feel European and, if so, why? http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/apr/24/do-you-feel-european-why

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