During the pandemic, we can see quite particularly how important culture and the media are for society. At a working meeting chaired by Germany, EU ministers of cultural affairs have met to discuss the impacts of the pandemic. Here is an overview in pictures of the cultural and media policy agenda during Germany's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
During its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2020, Germany wants the EU to work together to further strengthen culture and the media throughout Europe. At times of crisis it becomes particularly apparent how important they are for the process of European integration.
Culture and the media are not a luxury that we can only afford when times are good. Culture can forge a common identity and build bridges of common feeling and understanding. For this reason Germany will be addressing the impacts of the pandemic on culture and the creative economy during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Cultural and medial diversity also needs a wide spectrum of different perspectives. A second priority of EU policy on culture and the media in 2020 is thus gender equality. During its Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Germany aims to strengthen gender equality in the cultural sector and foster women's participation and networking.
The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated just how important it is to have reliable information. How can high quality journalism and freedom of expression be better protected, while ensuring fair competition? These questions form the third priority for Germany's EU Council Presidency - the plurality of the media.
Alongside the political agenda, there is an extensive cultural programme. One highlight is Beethoven Year BTHVN2020, which includes many events in and around Bonn as well as the exhibition "Hotel Beethoven" in Brussels. The closing event of Germany's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in December is to be a performance in Brussels of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, to mark the 250th anniversary of the composer's birth.