Reflecting on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue

Summary:

The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue was initially conceived as the Barroso Commission came into office. When I brought this idea to the audience during my introductory hearing in the European Parliament, I saw it mainly as a response to the substantial changes in EU composition and the internal perceptions of people.

Towards the end of 2004 it was clear that the European institutions should use their influence and visibility to put the issue of intercultural dialogue firmly on the table of European and national debates. A coordinated initiative was deemed necessary and even urgent because the social and cultural landscape had changed dramatically in many parts of Europe in the few preceding years.