Press Release: 3349th Council meeting Education, Youth, Culture and Sport – Brussels, 25 November 2014

Main results of the Council

Audiovisual policy

The Council adopted conclusions on the European audiovisual policy in the digital era, in preparation for the future review of the Audiovisual Media Services directive and the modernisation of the EU copyright framework. They address in particular the new business environment, access to finance, public funding, media and film literacy, as well as film heritage. The future approach to European audiovisual policy should ensure cultural and linguistic diversity in the converged media and increase the competitiveness of the European audiovisual sector.

Work Plan for Culture

The Council also adopted conclusions establishing a Work Plan for Culture (2015-2018). The plan is a strategic document setting out the priorities for European cooperation in cultural policymaking for the next four years, focusing on topics that represent a clear EU added value and encourage cross-sectorial cooperation.

Cultural heritage

Furthermore, ministers debated, in public deliberation, the contribution of cultural and creative sectors, including cultural heritage, to the Europe 2020 objectives, in the context of the mid-term review of the Europe 2020 strategy.

The President of the Council

Minister Franceschini declared that "culture and tourism should constitute priorities for Europe and investment in these sectors is strategic for growth and development. The presidency's view was shared by all ministers at our informal meeting of ministers in Torino, and today's Council paved the way to giving culture and tourism a central role in EU policy-making."

Sport as a driver for innovation and growth

The Council adopted conclusions on sport as a driver for innovation and economic growth, which highlight the positive effects on others sectors of the economy of research and innovation in sport, as well as its potential to create jobs.

Minister Delrio had a working lunch on the subject with representatives of sport organisations and of sports goods industry.

Sport and physical activity at school age

Ministers also discussed concrete measures to promote sport and physical activity at school age. They acknowledged that in general there is a decline or marginalisation of sport and physical activity in school age children, in particular teenagers, which is a cause for concern. However, many member states are already developing programs and specific actions to reverse this trend.

Secretary of State Delrio said that "today we made progress in two subjects which are related to Europe 2020. It's clear that sport has a huge economic weight in Europe and was scarcely touched by the economic crisis. We must create conditions to promote its development further, in particular through innovation."