European Media Policy and Cultural Diversity at the International Level: The EU’s Role in Fostering the Implementation of the 2005 UNESCO Convention

Abstract

Since the Maastricht Treaty, cultural diversity has been recognized in the EU treaties as a core element in European integration. The Lisbon Treaty reflects the cultural diversity concern in several of its provisions. The preamble to the TEU states that the member states of the EU draw inspiration from ‘the cultural, religious and humanist heritages of Europe […]’ and desire ‘to deepen the sol-idarity between their peoples while respecting their history, their culture and their traditions.’ Article 3 of the TEU states that the EU ‘shall respect its rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and shall ensure that Europe’s cultural heritage is safeguarded and enhanced.’ Article 167 §4 of the TFEU provides that ‘the Union shall take cultural aspects into account in its action under other provisions of the Treaties, in particular in order to respect and to promote the diversity of its cultures.’ More specifically, cultural diversity is also taken into account in the provisions on aid for culture and heritage conservation.1