§ Keith VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when she last discussed with other EU Ministers for Culture the strengthening of a common cultural identity; and what measures are being taken for this purpose. [97895]
§ Mr. CabornThe Treaty establishing the European Community does not provide for strengthening a common cultural identity, but does encourage bringing the common cultural heritage to the fore while respecting regional and national diversity within the Member States. In order to achieve this the Council of Culture Ministers agreed the Council Resolution of 25 June 2002 on a new work plan on European co-operation in the field of culture. My right hon and noble Friend the Minister for the Arts attended the culture and audiovisual session of the Education, Youth and Culture Council in Brussels on 11 November 2002, accompanied by Dr Elaine Murray, Deputy Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport in the Scottish Executive. They discussed with other European Union Culture Ministers progress on the new work plan and agreed further resolutions, e.g. on mobility of persons and circulation of works in the cultural sector (Report inOfficial Report, 20 November 2002, column 143W). Future meetings of European Union Ministers for Culture will discuss further progress on the new work plan.