The second day of the Ministerial Council on Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (EYCS) (Culture & Sport), chaired by Minister of Culture and Sports, Panos Panagiotopoulos, is taking place today (21.05.2014), in Brussels. 

Culture Ministers are expected to adopt for the first time Conclusions related to cultural heritage as a strategic resource towards a sustainable Europe. The Conclusions underline the crucial role of cultural heritage to economic development and social cohesion, especially in a period of economic crisis which affects all Europe.

A public debate on the next Council Work Plan for Culture beyond 2014 will also take place. Following the assessment of the current Plan, which was completed under the Greek Presidency, Ministers will have the opportunity to express their views on today’s culture policy challenges and the way the next Work Plan could effectively address these challenges.

Sport Ministers are expected to adopt for the first time Conclusions on gender equality in sport, one of the fundamental principles of the European Union. They are also expected to adopt a Council Resolution on the Work Plan for Sport (2014-2017) and will publicly debate the “economic, social and environmental sustainability of major sport events”.

A press conference is expected at +/-14:45 (CET).

Live broadcasting will be available here (from 09:00 CET).

More information on the event here.

Find here below the "Conclusions on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe".