The Protection of Cultural Rights in Europe: None of the EU's Business?

Abstract

Over the last decade, cultural diversity and the promotion and protection of cultural human rights have become important issues in the European context. States are trying to protect their national cultural identity within the European integration process, while at the same time several communities within States, such as minorities, indigenous peoples and immigrant communities, demand the promotion and protection of their cultural identity. The Council of Europe has established a human rights mechanism including the protection of cultural rights and rights of minorities. Within the European Union, the promotion and protection of human rights has slowly become a part of the internal policies, the latest step being the proclamation of the Charter on Fundamental Rights. However, the promotion of cultural diversity and of cultural rights or rights of minorities hardly play a role in this respect. Bearing in mind the possible inter-State implications that these issues may have, Member States should co-operate more closely and develop policies at the EU level in relation to the promotion and protection of cultural diversity.