[PIO] The Deputy Minister of Culture met with the Director General of the Directorate-General for Regional Policy and Urban Development of the

European programmes that will support culture and issues related to cultural development were discussed by the Deputy Minister of Culture Dr Vasiliki Kassianidou with the Director General of the Directorate-General for Regional Policy and Urban Development (DG REGIO) of the European Commission, Ms Themida Christofidou.

During the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Culture expressed her willingness, which the Director General of DG REGIO endorsed, to promote the inclusion of the cultural sector in the National Strategic Plan in order to make use of funds that the Republic of Cyprus draws from the Cohesion Fund of the European Union (EU).

Dr. Kassianidou said that the Deputy Ministry's aim is that, given the budgetary constraints and economic tightness, to examine whether it is possible to cover from European funds larger-scale projects related to cultural spaces/infrastructures or projects related to digitization.

She noted that support from European funds will be important for the pursuit of the objectives of the Deputy Ministry, which are, among others, cultural education and the development of spaces that promote culture, such as the Cyprus Library and the National Gallery.

Furthermore, the Deputy Minister stressed that investing in culture will have long-term positive effects on both society and the economy.

For her part, the Director General of DG REGIO provided information on the available financial instruments managed by her Directorate, which can support cultural projects and actions with European funds.

She also noted that, according to recent studies, culture is playing an increasingly important role in political agendas, both in its own right and as a strategy for economic development and the well-being of citizens. Cultural and creative sectors, Ms Christofidou added, are a vibrant economic activity, as well as a source of jobs and business turnover.

Further, the Deputy Minister and the Director General of DG REGIO exchanged views on the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU and on the issues that the Ministry of Culture could promote.

Finally, Dr. Kassianidou and Ms. Christofidou agreed to maintain close communication and contact with a view to development and progress in the field of culture.

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