On 15 September 2010, the European Commission launched the public consultation on the future EU Culture Programme. The consultation is part of a wider consultation aimed at gathering views to be taken into account in the Commission’s proposal for a new Culture Programme. It is open until 15 December. The results of the consultation will be analysed and summarised in a report that will be published in the first quarter of 2011. Objective of the consultation: To gather input on the next round of the culture programme after 2013, especially its objectives, activities and types of support. This online consultation is just one part of the wider public consultation, responses to which will be taken into account in the Commission's proposal for a new culture programme (to be adopted by the European Parliament and Council), following an assessment of possible social, economic and environmental impacts. The Culture Programme 2007-2013: The Culture programme plays a unique role in trans-national cultural cooperation and exchanges which are essential for: • promoting/protecting Europe's cultural and linguistic diversity (as required by the EU's treaties, Charter of Fundamental Rights and its obligations under the UNESCO convention on cultural expression); • improving European citizens knowledge of other cultures; • highlighting their awareness of their shared European heritage; • promoting European citizenship, by encouraging people to participate directly in the process of European integration. The context: While globalisation affords unprecedented conditions for enhanced interaction between cultures, it also represents a challenge for cultural diversity, especially through imbalances between poor and rich countries, and small and large ones, as well as increased standardisation. There is a need to see how the future Programme's objectives and action lines should be revised in the light of current developments so they: • respond to current European and global developments and exploit the cultural sector's potential to contribute to the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth; • ensure the greatest possible structuring and multiplier effects through its funding, which should have a real European added value; • prioritise spending on project content rather than administration – by having as streamlined and cost-effective a programme design as possible. Go to the consultation! Related links and documents: • Consultation • Information note on the public consultation on a future European Union Culture Programme