On the 60th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome, the Leaders of 27 Member States and EU institutions stated their ambition for a Union where citizens have new opportunities for cultural and social development and economic growth. [..] a Union which preserves our cultural heritage and promotes cultural diversity 1 . This was confirmed at the Gothenburg Leaders' Summit in November 2017 and by the European Council in December 2017 2 , which also highlighted the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage 3 as a pivotal opportunity to increase awareness of the social and economic importance of culture and heritage. 

The Commission stated in its Communication on Strengthening European Identity through Education and Culture 4 , that it is in the shared interest of all Member States to harness the full potential of education and culture as drivers for jobs, economic growth, social fairness, active citizenship as well as a means to experience European identity in all its diversity.

Europe's rich cultural heritage and dynamic cultural and creative sectors strengthen European identity, creating a sense of belonging. Culture promotes active citizenship, common values, inclusion and intercultural dialogue within Europe and across the globe. It brings people together, including newly arrived refugees and other migrants, and helps us feel part of communities. Culture and creative industries also have the power to improve lives, transform communities, generate jobs and growth, and create spill over effects in other economic sectors.

The New European Agenda for Culture (the New Agenda) responds to the European Leaders' invitation to do more, through culture and education, to build cohesive societies and offer a vision of an attractive European Union 5 . It aims to harness the full potential of culture to help build a more inclusive and fairer Union, supporting innovation, creativity and sustainable jobs and growth.