On 13 September 2009, the European Festivals Association (EFA) together with Ján Figel’, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, and 20 festival directors from all over Europe look back on five years of intense work for culture and for Europe. The meeting takes place at the occasion of Linz – European Capital of Culture 2009 and the opening of the Brucknerfest Linz 2009. “EFA thanks Mr Figel’ for his steady and strong support! We underline at the same time festivals’ readiness to provide open and international platforms for artists to create and for audiences to access culture also in the next five years and beyond,” underlines EFA President Darko Brlek. Since its move from Geneva to Belgium in 2004, the European Festivals Association has developed various projects that reflect the believe that Europe is first and foremost a cultural project: the EFA BOOKS series, the European Atelier for Young Festival Managers, the European House for Culture, the FestLab for Creativity and Innovation – all highlight culture and arts as catalysts for the innovative and creative development of a European society. A Commitment Declaration to confirm festivals’ engagement for a cultural Europe also in the future is signed by all present festivals and cultural representatives. “Ambitious objectives need strong and sustainable partnerships! EFA and its members are signalising to the future EU Culture Commissioner to continue to stand up strongly for culture and recognise the role of arts, artists and arts festivals in the European integration process,” stresses EFA Secretary General Kathrin Deventer. With the aim to establish a sustainable cultural infrastructure and to leave a lasting impact on the city’s long-term cultural, economic and social development, Martin Heller, Artistic Director Linz – European Capital of Culture 2009 (www.linz09.at), echoes this view. The press is invited to the meeting organised in collaboration with the Brucknerhaus Linz on 13 September at 14:00 at the premises of the Brucknerhaus. Read the press release in English or German.