During the European Forum on Culture (Lisbon, 26-28 September) Eurobarometer presented the results of its survey on the cultural values of Europeans conducted in the 27 member countries of the EU on a sample of 26,755 citizens between 14 February and 18 March 2007. The answers of the interviewees show that two Europeans out of three recognize the pre-eminence of common cultural aspects between EU countries over other regions of the world and that 77% consider culture an important aspect in their own life. Slightly less is the percentage of those who think cultural diversity represents a distinctive feature of Europe, also with a view to the promotion of mutual understanding between the peoples of the continent. Very high percentages of Europeans, however, think there’s a greater need to promote culture at the EU level (89%) and ask the EU to “facilitate cultural exchanges for EU citizens to help promote intercultural dialogue” (88%). According to Jan Figel, Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture, and Youth, the survey findings “send out a clear message for our legislators: more resources to promote tolerance and respect between peoples with a view to the International Year of Intercultural Dialogue in 2008”.
