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New political agreement strengthens cultural co-operation in Northern Europe
Culture and the creative industries in Northern Europe can now look forward to new growth opportunities and greater political attention. This is the result of a brand new agreement, the Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture, between the EU, Russian, Norway and Iceland.
On behalf of the Danish Minister of Culture, Permanent Undersecretary Karin Marchand signed the agreement for stronger culture co-operation between EU, Russia, Norway and Iceland together with representatives from these countries. Photo: www.interpress.ru
The creative economies and cultural life in Northern Europe will now have better opportunities for investment, financing and growth. At least if it is up to the governments of northern Europe. The agreement between the countries was signed in St. Petersburg today, where representatives from the countries of northern Europe agreed to a new framework for this emerging growth area.
"It is important to underline that this agreement has first and foremost improved frameworks for co-operation, and created new conditions for growth in cultural life and the creative economies in northern Europe. It is now up to the stakeholders involved to define the concrete projects and initiatives. The agreement is a political decision to facilitate the new co-operation", said Michael Webb, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in Russia.
The agreement was signed during Nordic Council of Ministers' International Cultural Forum, which is taking place in St. Petersburg 20 - 21 May. Those involved in the world of culture, the creative industries, cultural institutions and officials from 11 countries are meeting here to discuss opportunities to help move the creative economy forward in the region encompassed by the Northern Dimension.
The European countries are currently discussing how to develop the potential for a creative economy and thus create jobs and ensure welfare, and at the same time develop new financial and investment tools.
The NDPC will complement existing national and international organizations and institutions working with the creative industries to develop cultural co-operation and exchange. The partnership will work as a platform which can promote dialogue and development of best practices in culture and the creative industries.
The NDPC is the Northern Dimension's fourth Partnership and is an extension of existing partnerships in the areas of the environment, transport, and health and social care. The Nordic Council of Ministers has initiated and supported the development of NDPC and has organised the cultural forum in collaboration with St. Petersburg’s city council and the Russian ministry of culture.
