EU Ministers of Culture have adopted conclusions on the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022, stressing the importance of sustaining the legacy of the European Year of Cultural Heritage (EYCH) 2018. Ministers acknowledged that “the European Year of Cultural Heritage […] has considerably raised public and political awareness about culture and heritage in Europe, and the importance of taking this momentum forward to tap the full potential of the social and economic value of culture for Europe”.
For the first priority “sustainability in cultural heritage”, the Work Plan states: “Conservation, preservation and safeguarding, research, educational activities and knowledge transfer, financing, participatory governance and contemporary interpretation are key areas that will benefit from a comprehensive strategic approach… follow-up measures and mainstreaming activities need to be developed, including an Action Plan for Cultural Heritage by the Commission.” In addition to the five priorities of the future Work Plan for Culture, digitisation and cultural statistics will be horizontal issues for cooperation.