There is a strong need in Europe, in particular for the institutions of the European Union, national and local leaders to have a
new narrative on the future of Europe, for tools that turn the European Union into a citizens’ project based on their cultural
competencies. There is ample political opportunity to change this through the existing partnerships of “A Soul for Europe” and
it’s Cultural Coalition for a Citizens’ Europe. If we look to the work of the European Parliament in the “A Soul for Europe”
Advisory Board8
, we can see an increasingly important form of collaboration: that of direct working groups formed with
individuals from civil society and elected representatives. The Advisory Board and Parliamentarian Working Group9
are the
mechanisms through which the "A Soul for Europe" initiative and the Cultural Coalition elaborate ways of joint action at the
European level. It thereby serves as a bridge between civil society and political decision-makers. We must capitalize on the
willingness of our elected representatives to work directly with citizens on developing the political framework for our future by
actively participating in the process.
If we also look at the 2012 State of the Union speech given by European Commission President José Manuel Barroso10 and at the
structured dialogue between the European Union and the cultural sector, we see a true willingness to realize culture’s full
potential in the development of Europe’s future.
The opportunities to create change exist, but these efforts need new energy and concrete forms of implementation. The
European Resolution on Culture for Values, Democracy and Citizenship would serve as the road map for joint action of
politicians and civil society at all levels: especially the national and European. European level politicians should strive to create a
political framework that will support the development of such a narrative on Europe’s future. This vision at the European level
will then be legally adapted into national legislation where the primary competency for culture currently lies.