The European Community and culture

This thesis examines how culture has emerged as a concern for the European Community, based on the recognition of the role that cultural activities play in economic development, and the role that cultural relations play in the integration of the states and people in our time. This thesis provides an overview of the European Community and its development; discusses the prevalent philosophy within the European Community: culture as an integrative force for economic and political goals, and provides an analysis of two important European Community goals for 1992: the creation of a competitive media industry and the free movement of cultural goods. This research involved a thorough analysis of original European Community documents and important related literature. This research shows that there are several questions that the EC needs to address in the next few years: should culture be only a tool for economic and political development, or should its cultivation be a goal in itself? Is it possible to strengthen national identity while at the same time developing a European identity? What kinds of policies should be developed to allow for legal and budgetary provisions which could further cultural action?