On 16 November, the Culture Council in the framework of the Council meeting approved the first ever European Agenda for Culture! The European Agenda for Culture proposed by the European Commission in May and discussed at the European Parliament and the Council introduces a more structured system of cooperation between member states and with stakeholders at the same time. In its implementation, the agenda focuses on three concrete priorities: - to promote cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue in Europe; - to promote culture as a catalyst for creativity and innovation in the context of the Lisbon Strategy for jobs and growth - to ensure that culture becomes a key component in the EU’s external relations so as to build bridges with other parts of the world. More information about this crucial step in EU cultural policy history: Communication for a European agenda for culture in a globalizing world Commission welcomes Council's endorsement of the first-ever European Agenda for Culture Source: IP/07/1709