Hungary, taking over the Presidency after Belgium, aims to adopt Council Conclusions to improve access to culture. The key culture conference Access is Success – Opportunities and Challenges of Accessing Culture in Contemporary Europe takes place from 18-20 September in Budapest. A certain focus will be set on the social, community-building, and mental health-preserving roles of culture. Hungary will also pay particular attention to libraries’ role in society.
In an analysis, Culture Action Europe writes that the Hungarian Presidency aims to make the protection of cultural heritage an integral part of the European external policy toolbox. It will promote the implementation of the Council Conclusions on cultural heritage in conflicts and crises (2021) and push for their review. In line with the EU’s Work Plan for Culture, Hungary plans “to promote digital access to cultural heritage and increase the number and visibility of cultural cooperation activities and projects.” Strengthening cultural heritage’s resilience against climate change, natural, and man-made disasters will be important dimensions to frame the discussion about cultural heritage.
The Presidency emphasises the need to explore synergies between the New European Bauhaus initiative and the restoration and renovation of architectural heritage. Modernising buildings for sustainability must preserve their historical value, making this approach a key element of our architectural planning in line with the New European Bauhaus goals.
In the field of audiovisual media, the Hungarian Presidency will prioritise media literacy education and enhancing media awareness among children. The aim is to identify policy measures to improve media literacy skills at both national and EU levels, evaluate existing gaps based on Member State experiences, and determine areas for intervention.
The next meeting of the EU culture ministers (Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council) is scheduled for 25-26 November 2024 in Brussels.
- Explore the Hungarian Presidency further on the dedicated website and the Hungarian Presidency programme.
