On 3 May, a distinguished group of festival directors was honored to meet Mr Jan Figel’, European Commissioner for Culture, at the European Commission’s headquarter in Brussels (have a look at the official group picture). At the initiative of EFA, around 15 representatives of major European festivals had the chance to exchange ideas and discuss important issues regarding mutual expectations on future EU policies in the field of culture. The meeting was fruitful for both sides. It once again underlined the importance of festivals within the European integration process, their impact in cultural but also political and social terms and their immense potential to contribute to an emerging European citizenship. In particular, tangible ways and tools were explored on how festivals can contribute to the success of the year 2008, the Year of intercultural dialogue in their shape as a carrier of intercultural competence. For more information on the proposal of the European Commission to declare 2008 the Year of Intercultural Dialogue, have a look at the European Commission’s website dedicated to this event. The meeting with Mr Figel’ is the result of major efforts of EFA to be a partner and an interlocutor for the European institutions when it comes to festivals. It is just the starting point for closer co-operation in the future.