Deputy Minister of State for Culture Dr. Yannis Toumazis participated in the work of the EU Culture Council, which took place today in Brussels.
The Council's work focused on support and solidarity with Ukrainian culture, including cultural heritage. The debate was attended by the Minister of Culture of Ukraine, Mr Oleksandr Tkachenko, who presented the situation in his country in the field of culture.
In his intervention, the Deputy Minister of Culture expressed Cyprus' full support to the people and government of Ukraine, stressing that our country is experiencing the aftermath of the war in the field of culture and cultural heritage due to the Turkish invasion and ongoing occupation. Dr. Tumazis then referred to the possibilities for supporting Ukraine's cultural and creative sector by providing expertise on issues of combating trafficking and illicit trafficking of cultural heritage, as well as assessing the state of the country's monuments. We are on alert for immediate action in case stolen antiquities or cultural property from Ukraine are identified, Dr. Toumazis added, noting that support can also be provided through the Cypriot expert participating in a relevant UNESCO Commission. In this context, he pointed out that it is necessary that assistance for the conservation and preservation of the affected monuments and cultural property be provided with a view to achieving substantial, long-term and sustainable results. Dr. Tumazis also said that the Deputy Ministry is in cooperation with the National Crisis Management Unit and is exploring possibilities for supporting the Ukrainian people and their emergency needs, including the cultural sector. In conclusion, he called on EU member states to ratify the "Nicosia Convention", which provides for the criminalisation of the offences of destruction, trafficking and trafficking in cultural property.
During the Council's work, the ministers also adopted a resolution on the Work Programme for Culture for the years 2023-2026. This Programme includes the priorities for cooperation in the field of culture, including cultural heritage, as well as a significant number of actions to be implemented by 2026.
In addition, the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU presented the Progress Report on the Media Freedom Regulation, which reflects the reception of the Regulation by the Member States and their position on its main points. Dr Toumazis pointed out that the Media Freedom Regulation will contribute to the strengthening of democracy in Europe, noting Cyprus' intention to make a constructive contribution to the discussions that will follow. He will also visit the HKU University of the Arts Utrecht, of which he is a graduate, where, among other things, he will have the opportunity to speak and meet Cypriot and other students.
(MΦ/ΜΧ/ΣΧ)
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