Building a citizens' Europe
The EU's Europe for citizens programme seeks to bridge the perceived gap between the general public and the institutions of the European Union. From 2007 to 2013, it will fund activities which promote active European citizenship, build an inclusive European identity and promote common ownership of the European project. It puts citizens in the spotlight and responds to the need to improve citizen participation in the construction of Europe.
Europe is proud of its cultural diversity. Language, literature, theatre, visual arts, architecture, crafts, the cinema and broadcasting may belong to a specific country or region, but they represent part of Europe’s common cultural heritage. The European Union aims to preserve and support this diversity and to help make it accessible to others.
Television is our primary source of information and entertainment. The audiovisual sector involves big commercial interests and issues of cultural diversity, public service and social responsibility. Each national government runs its own audiovisual policy, while the Union sets rules and guidelines where common interests, like open EU borders and fair competition, are concerned.
Top-quality education and training are vital if Europe is to develop as a knowledge society and compete effectively in the globalising world economy. Education policy as such is decided by each EU country, but together they set common goals and share best practice. In addition, the EU funds numerous programmes which allow its citizens to make the most of their personal development and the EU’s economic potential by studying, training or doing voluntary work in other countries.
Half the European films you watch in the cinema are supported by the EU's MEDIA programme. The programme supports the distribution of 9 out of every 10 feature films in Europe that are distributed outside their originating country. Two and a half million aficionados watch over 15 000 European screenings in more than 100 festivals funded by MEDIA. Every year 300 new European film projects are supported by MEDIA.