Part III Tasks and Objectives, s.3 Strengthening Democratic Governance, 33 Securing and Enhancing the Common Cultural Heritage

Subject(s):

Democracy — Economic, social, and cultural rights — Responsibility of international organizations — Rule of law

This chapter examines the work of the Council of Europe (CoE) in the field of cultural heritage. At the same time, it examines the notion of a common European heritage, particularly with regard to the CoE Statute. Thus the chapter traces the genesis of this cultural work through the founding of the Council as well as the growing importance of the common cultural heritage. It then explores the systematic aspects of the Council’s efforts in cultural heritage, highlighting the role of the Council of Ministers (CM) in these proceedings, before looking towards outside institutions, particularly UNESCO and the European Union. Next, the chapter provides an overview of the legal basis for securing and enhancing the common cultural heritage. Finally, the CoE’s practices and influences in the field of the common cultural heritage are discussed, along with some brief concluding remarks.