Sam Tanson, Minister of Culture with members of the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education; Credit: Konschthal Esch

On Tuesday 22 February 2022, on the occasion of their working visit to Esch-sur-Alzette ahead of the official opening of the Esch2022 European Capital of Culture, Luxembourg's Culture Minister, Sam Tanson, had an exchange of views with the President of the Culture Committee and Education of the European Parliament, Sabine Verheyen (DE/PPE), accompanied by other Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), Members of the Commission: Isabella Adinolfi (IT/PPE), Petra Kammerevert (DE/S&D), Diana Riba i Giner (ES/Greens /EFA) and Maria Walsh (IE/EPP).

During the meeting in the premises of the Konschthal Esch, the Minister and the European elected representatives discussed at length the importance of culture in our societies and its place to be reinforced in national policies and those of the European Union (EU). With an eye also on the current geopolitical situation, Minister Tanson, particularly underlined the role that culture plays in terms of cohesion, dialogue, mutual understanding and personal development in Europe.

Putting this also in perspective with regard to the organisation and impact of a European Capital of Culture on the cultural scene of the country, as in the case of Esch2022, of an entire region, the European parliamentarians also insisted on the specific attention to be given to young people in this context. Discussing in depth the links between education and culture, particularly when young people come from disadvantaged backgrounds, the MEPs recommended a visible link between the Cultural Capitals 2022 and the European Year of Youth 2022 which aims to support young people in emerging from the COVID-19 crisis and helping them overcome the negative effects.

The COVID-19 crisis was also among the subjects discussed, Minister Tanson, informing her interlocutors of the impact of the pandemic on the cultural and creative scene as well as the support measures put in place by the Luxembourg's Ministry of Culture.