EP - UNESCO convention on cultural diversity

Nikolaos SIFUNAKIS (PES, EL)
Oral question to the Commission on cultural diversity
Doc.: B6-0169/2005
Vote 14.04.2005

In 2001, UNESCO adopted a Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, but this has proved an inadequate response to threats to cultural diversity in a globalising world. In October 2003, the UNESCO General Conference therefore began work on an international Convention on Cultural Diversity, aiming for adoption during autumn 2005.

In a resolution adopted by a large majority, Parliament has set out its expectations for the EU's position on the subject and for the Convention itself. The EU is represented at UNESCO both by the Commission and the Member States.

MEPs are in favour of a binding, standard-setting instrument on the protection of cultural diversity, and call on Member States to coordinate their positions. They say cultural services and products have a dual nature as economic and cultural goods and cannot be equated with ordinary merchandise. The issue of the relationship between international trade law and the future UNESCO Convention is a key aspect for MEPs, which they say should be approached in such a way that the protection of cultural diversity is given at least the same priority as other policies and on no account less priority.

Parliament believes that the Convention must provide for a simple, single, binding mechanism for settling disputes, in order to develop, in international law, case law relating to cultural diversity.

MEPs say the Convention must very clearly underline the right of States to develop, maintain and implement policies and laws designed to promote cultural diversity and media pluralism, notably regarding pubic broadcasters, to ensure their democratic and social relevance for their societies. For this reason, the Convention should recognise the importance of both direct and indirect public financial aid and that States may determine the nature, amount and beneficiaries of such aid.

MEPs also insist that the Convention must be based upon the principles of individual human rights as laid down in international instruments, which would prevent the concept of cultural diversity being used as a pretext for practices which contravene human rights.

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• EU Presidency Statement - Culture of Peace (20/10/2005)
• Adoption of Unesco Convention on Cultural Diversity (20/10/2005)
• Cultural diversity: major step towards adoption of UNESCO Convention (6/6/2005)
• Meeting of the selection panel for the European Capitals of Culture 2009 (15/4/2005)