Culture and audiovisual: the Council adopts conclusions on risk management in the area of cultural heritage, media literacy and the amendment of the Work Plan for Culture (2019 - 2022)

Source: Council of the European Union (Council) i, published on Tuesday, May 26 2020.

The Council adopted by written procedure three sets of conclusions in the area of culture and audiovisual.

The conclusions on risk management in the area of cultural heritage recall the importance of protecting cultural heritage against the various types of risks threatening it (natural hazards, climate change and man-made disasters), and recognise that crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic have a huge negative impact on the cultural and creative sectors. Member states are invited to identify innovative tools and approaches for risk identification, prevention and mitigation. The conclusions also raise awareness that disaster prevention and preparedness require intervention and planning on multiple levels in order to be able to adequately respond to risks.

The conclusions on media literacy in an ever-changing world recognise the importance of media literacy given the growing exposure of citizens to a large amount of disinformation, in particular during global crises such as the current COVID-19 outbreak. Member states are invited to undertake various measures, such as developing lifelong-learning approaches to media literacy for all ages. The crucial importance of quality journalism and the need to identify more effective solutions in the fight against disinformation, while protecting freedom of expression, are among the important aspects tackled by these conclusions.

The conclusions amending the Work Plan for Culture (2019-2022) reiterate that promoting sustainable development is a key action for the European Union's future in the Strategic Agenda 2019 - 2024 and amend the plan to give priority to culture as a driver of sustainable development.