Brussels: The two-day meeting of the EU Education, Youth, Culture, and Sport Council concluded with discussions focusing on promoting key European initiatives in culture and sport. During a press conference, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, described the sessions as particularly productive, noting that they led to the implementation of key commitments of the Cypriot Presidency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Kassianidou emphasized that a core priority of the Cypriot Presidency is the advancement of funding programs like Erasmus+ and AgoraEU, along with other initiatives in education, culture, youth, and sport. A significant focus was on the AgoraEU program, which Kassianidou described as a step forward for the cultural and creative sectors, media, and civil society. This program aims to support artists, journalists, cultural organizations, and citizens, enhancing democratic resilience, social cohesion, and civic participation while promoting Europe's cultural diversity and heritage.
Kassianidou also highlighted discussions on the EU Work Plan for Culture 2027-2030, marking a step towards preparing and adopting the Work Plan by the end of the year. This effort complements the 'Culture Compass' initiative, which serves as a strategic framework for guiding the future of European cultural policy while maintaining flexibility for adaptation to new developments. The objective is to complete negotiations and sign the joint declaration 'Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe' in June next year, under the Cypriot Presidency.
The Council also saw the adoption of conclusions on sport tourism as a driver of sustainable development, which Kassianidou cited as another significant achievement. Additionally, the issue of mental health in sport was raised, emphasizing the need for preventive, inclusive, and cross-sectoral approaches, including stronger safeguarding mechanisms, education, awareness-raising, and enhanced cooperation between sport, health, and education policies.
The Deputy Minister concluded that the Council reflects the Cypriot Presidency's contribution towards a more inclusive and resilient Europe, focusing on investment in people, social cohesion, and safeguarding democratic values.