"Creativity and the ability to innovate are fundamental human qualities. They live inside each of us, and we use them on several occasions and in many situations, whether we are aware of that or not". Jan Figel’, education and culture commissioner, reflects on some characteristics of the human being and of modern society, while he is presenting the objectives and the initiatives for 2009, designated as year of creativity and innovation by the European Union. The chosen slogan is: "Imagine – create – innovate". "With this European year added Figel’ -, I would like citizens to understand that by promoting human talents and the human ability to innovate, it will be possible to improve Europe and to develop all its potential, both its economic and social potential". Today, in Brussels, a few events were set up to "hand the baton" from the Year of Intercultural Dialogue on to the Year of Creativity. On the other hand, the official opening is taking place in Prague on 7th January, in the presence of Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek, who’s going to take over the office of current president of the European Council on January 1st, and of the President of the Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso. (To be continued)
