On November 13, 2024, Luxembourg took on the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe, highlighting culture as one of three key priorities in its agenda. Recognizing the power of cultural heritage, creativity, and exchange to foster unity and mutual understanding, Luxembourg aims to promote initiatives that protect cultural diversity and heritage across Europe.
Priorities of the Luxembourg Presidency of the Committee of Ministers are:
Rule of law and democracy – championing joint standards and policies as key levers against democratic backsliding and increasing threats in Europe
Living together – fostering mutual respect and understanding in our diverse societies
Culture, sport and heritage – vectors for promoting human rights
Regarding culture as key priority of LU Presidency, they will seek to start a process :
- to generate a better understanding of the intrinsic interrelation between culture and democracy and its relevance within the CoE,
- to put forward the implementation of the Reykjavík Declaration and of the Reykjavík Principles for Democracy in the cultural field of the CoE,
During its six-month term, Luxembourg will work closely with member states to support projects that enhance cultural cooperation, encourage artistic expression, and preserve Europe’s rich and varied heritage. Priorities will include boosting access to cultural education, safeguarding cultural rights, and addressing the role of culture in shaping inclusive, resilient communities. Special emphasis will be placed on using culture as a bridge to strengthen social cohesion, foster democratic values, and combat hate speech and intolerance.
Luxembourg’s leadership signals a renewed commitment to Europe’s cultural unity and the protection of cultural rights, paving the way for a future where culture continues to be a vital force for democratic resilience, peace, and shared identity.
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