Following the debate which took place during the sitting of 26 March 2009, the European Parliament adopted by 546 votes to 29 with 32 abstentions a resolution on the role of culture in the development of European regions. The resolution had been tabled by the EPP-ED, PES, ALDE, UEN, Green/ALE and GUE/NGL groups.

Parliament notes that the cultural soul of Europe is becoming increasingly important as a means of bringing European citizens together in a manner which respects differing cultural and linguistic identities. The cultures of Europe are strategic factors in Europe's development at local, regional and national levels, as well as at the level of its central European institutions. Members note that cultural projects based on civil-society initiatives appear to be effective in strengthening and developing the regions. Regional conferences are an excellent way for civil society to put forward their projects and proposals, exchange best practices and conduct dialogue between responsible parties.

Accordingly, Parliament stresses that regional and local development strategies that incorporate culture, creativity and the arts contribute greatly to improving quality of life in European regions and cities by fostering cultural diversity, democracy, participation and intercultural dialogue. It calls on the Commission to present a Green Paper with a possible range of measures for contemporary cultural activities aimed at strengthening cultural development in European regions. It also calls on the Commission, together with regional authorities and local civil society, to support regional conferences.

Parliament emphasises the need for action and awareness campaigns about the role of cultural projects for regional development, and calls on the parties concerned to work towards speedy and efficient implementation of such projects.

Lastly, it expects the Commission to present to Parliament the study on the influence of culture at regional and local levels, together with the conclusions and actions which the Commission intends to draw from it.

O-0064/2009