The need to integrate the cultural and creative sectors in recovery plans, flexibility in funding programmes and further opportunities for local and regional authorities to help Europe realise a European Research Area were the key issues raised by EPP-CoR members with Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth during a debate on the recovery of the cultural and creatives sectors and on the new European Research Area.
Speaking on the cultural and creative sectors Commissioner Gabriel said "Being hit particularly hard by the pandemic, cultural and creative sectors need and deserve the best of our efforts. Cities and regions are key allies in this endeavour. With our joint support, we will make sure that culture can and will play a key role in building a greener, more vibrant and more resilient Europe." Gabriel agreed on the need of coordination on the lifting of restriction measures and expressed support for the call to allocate at least 2% of the budgets of the Resilience Recovery Fund to the creative and cultural sectors.
With respect to the role of research in the recovery process, Gabriel said "Region and cities will play a fundamental role in delivering a reinforced European Research Area, helping the recovery and making Europe more resilient. Through our joint action plan with the European Committee of the Regions we will empower researchers, entrepreneurs and civil society to strengthen their regional research and innovation ecosystems and be part of a pan European network of excellence."
Deirdre Forde, Councillor, Cork City Council welcomed the increase in funds for Creative Europe Programme yet appealed for more flexibility. "As the Cultural and Creative sectors often operates in small non-traditional business models, flexibility of funding is vital to reach those operating in our local and regional areas.”
Tanya Hristova, Mayor of Gabrovo appealed for the cultural and creative sectors to be recognized as an integral part of recovery plans. She expressed hope that the EU we will be able to apply innovative and integrated approaches in order to achieve spill-over effects towards other crisis-hit areas such as tourism, transport, education areas. She added that the interregional dimension of cooperation in the field of culture should also be strengthened. "I would like to propose considering an initiative 'Culture meets Regions' joining the footsteps of another flagship project realized together with JRC 'Science meets Regions' in which I and many colleagues from the CoR gained positive and inspiring experience." With respect to innovation and research, Hristova advised for a modest revision of the 'open calls' model within Horizon Europe, towards more policy-oriented measures, further methodological help and direct involvement in order to realise the European Research Area.
Markku Markkula, Chair of the Espoo City Board and President of the Helsinki Region expressed satisfaction on the development of European Research Area Hubs. "The idea of European Research Area hubs was initiated already in 2012 when I was the CoR rapporteur on Horizon 2020. We stressed Regions of Knowledge, Living Labs and Innovation ecosystems. The ERA hubs will become a reality, as confirmed by Commissioner Mariya Gabriel describing their importance. The role of cities – with their industry and universities – is crucial as orchestrators of extensive collaboration projects for societal innovations in tackling societal challenges."
Anna Magyar, Member of Csongrád Megye Council said that it is important to improve new creative initiatives and at the same time, promote Europe's diversity and cultural heritage, coming from all the nations and from all the minorities. "Our roots are essential, let’s be proud of it, let’s include it in our everyday modern life!" she said.
Ádám Karácsony, Councillor of Tahitótfalu said that Europe cannot remain silent in front of the fact that European culture is in danger. He stressed the need to offer further support. "We must protect our cultural heritage, identity and European way of life"
Agnès Rampal, Member of the Regional Assembly, Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Deputy Mayor of Métropole Nice-Côte d’Azur said “Culture is key for the cohesion of our societies. It is also the result of intense work carried out by professionals who need our support more than ever. Regions and cities are committed to support the cultural sector. It needs to also be massively supported at European level, including through innovative initiatives such as the New European Bauhaus.”
Piero Mauro Zanin, President of the legislative Assembly of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region said that financial support is needed for cultural cross-border projects involving mayors and regional governors. "The relaunch of both cultural and creative sectors is possible through cooperation initiatives between regional and local authorities." Giving an example Zanin said that the towns of Nova Gorica (Sovenia) and Gorizia (Italy), jointly named as 'European Capital of Culture 2025'. "This represents a great achievement, both for the two towns and for Europe as a whole, since this joint participation aims not only at preserving the cultural richness and diversity and developing a system able to generate a considerable economic impact, but it is also intended at fostering a common European spirit in which new generations can grow and be inspired by a sense of belonging to the common values of the people of Europe."