Commission proposes 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage

On the 30 August 2016, the European Commission tabled a proposal to the European Parliament and to the Council of European Union to designate 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage. The European Year of Cultural Heritage could be an opportunity to raise awareness of the social and economic importance of cultural heritage at a time, when world cultural treasures are under threat and are being deliberately destroyed in conflict zones. Moreover, the cultural heritage plays a strong economic role in the European Union, as many jobs are indirectly linked to it, for instance touristic sector, building works or transport, interpretation, maintenance and security services.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Protection of cultural heritage in armed conflicts http://www.europeansources.info/record/protection-of-cultural-heritage-in-armed-conflicts-2/

ESO: Background information: EU countries failing to protect cultural heritage http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-countries-failing-to-protect-cultural-heritage/

---