Culture in International cooperation: Candidate and potential candidate countries

Political dialogue with candidate and potential candidate countries is based on the ‘Copenhagen criteria’ which encompass political and economic criteria, as well as alignment with the 'Community acquis', including in the field of culture. It is worth noting that the main element of the acquis under culture is represented by the ratification of the Convention. All candidate and potential candidate countries have ratified the Convention, except for Turkey.

Culture forms integral part in the enlargement context of the EU and the specific policy and financial instruments have been even more tangible since 2007.. This complements participation in the Culture Programme (except for Kosovo) and, where relevant, the negotiations on Chapter 26 of the acquis communautaire concerning education and culture. A positive trend for the diversity of cultural expressions has emerged since 2007, addressing civil society cooperation and partnerships and the rehabilitation of cultural heritage as a vehicle of reconciliation and economic development.

Substantial resources have been allocated for cultural purposes through key instruments such as the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), the Civil Society Facility and the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument (TAIEX). The focus is on infrastructure, support for events and administrative capacities in the areas of heritage and cultural governance and support to non-state actors. As regards audiovisual and media policies, main EU priority is to promote diversity through supporting broadcasting policy reform and alignment with European standards on media regulation, in particular the Audiovisual Media services Directive.