“The Greek Presidency aspires to make a meaningful contribution to the debate about the role that cultural heritage and creative economy are set to play in the 21st century” Panagiotopoulos said, addressing the CULT Committee. He additionally stated that “the Presidency will examine innovative ways of funding, financial and social partnerships etc. Emphasis will be laid on the need to shape and promote a common European approach to cultural heritage”.

“In the context of these priorities” the Minister said, “we will organize two conferences, the first one entitled “Heritage First! Towards a common approach for a sustainable Europe” from 6 to 8 March at the Acropolis Museum and the second entitled “Financing Creativity” on 20 & 21 February at the Athens Concert Hall.

Furthermore, an Informal meeting of high-ranking officials of Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs (responsible for Culture) will be organized on 17 June, at the Byzantine and Christian Museum, in Athens.

We will make every possible effort, in order to reach an agreement on the recast of the Council Directive 93/7/EEC concerning the return of cultural objects unlawfully removed from the territory of a Member-State, as well as on the adoption of a Decision establishing a Union action for the European Capitals of Culture for the years 2020 to 2033. The Presidency will also elaborate on the Council Recommendation on “European Film in the Digital Era”, provided that the Commission presents it soon”.

Finally, as regards sports, Minister Panagiotopoulos outlined that “the Greek Presidency will focus on the preparation and adoption of the new Work Plan for Sport (2014-2017). We have to reach an agreement with the Member States of the European Union on the Work Plan on 21 May 2014, during the Council of Ministers of Culture and Sports. Other priorities that will be promoted, during the Greek Presidency, include the relation between sports and society, the economic dimension of sports, the integrity and good governance of sports, as well as the fight against match-fixing and doping».