Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the USA的动态

What we need is a Cultural Deal for Europe

?? New Article Alert! ?? I'm excited to share my latest opinion piece for JEF Malta ???? on the future of Europe in the global power balance. Drawing inspiration from Altiero Spinelli, I explore how a socially united, progressive Europe can reclaim its agency and challenge the dominance of the United States and China—without compromising on democratic values. In a world where authoritarianism is on the rise and US hegemony faces new limits, it's time for Europe to take a stand. Spinelli’s vision offers a blueprint for a federal Europe that champions social justice, environmental sustainability, and strategic autonomy. ???? If you're interested in how Europe can break away from outdated power structures and lead with progressive ideals, check out the full article on JEF Europe Malta’s website: https://lnkd.in/dCV9CrNF

There is no vibrant city without a lively cultural scene, and there will be no vibrant Europe without #culture. ? Culture is an engine for urban development and contributes directly to enhancing citizens' quality of life. Throughout Europe, mayors are committed to developing local cultural policies and projects that are low-carbon and more inclusive. ? Eurocities will keep advocating for cultural policies and activities that are greener and more inclusive. Our work will be led by two Shadow Commissioners who will advocate for a sustainable culture:? ??Nicole Yardeni, deputy mayor of Toulouse? ??Dejan Crnek, deputy mayor of Ljubljana?? #TeamLocalEurope

The current issue of The Parliament Magazine - the monthly journal on EU policies - dedicates an article to the European Capital of Culture initiative. In my interview for the magazine, I explain how this emblematic initiative of the EU has evolved during the past decennials: the enhancement of the process rather than the event, a strong orientation towards the future, importance of capacity building – to name a few of the changes. Cities and more and more regions make considerable efforts to cope with a new state-of-the-art of cultural development. Explore also related activities by the European Capitals of Culture of this year: Salzkammergut 2024 Kulturhauptstadt Europas, Bod?2024, European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 – highlighted in the same article. Enjoy reading: https://lnkd.in/dtbP2_UE EcocNews #TheParlamentMagazine #EuropeanParliament #ECoCs #Europe #EU #Culture #Cities #Regions #Development #Future #Capacity #Empowerment

Over the last number of years, in my capacity as member of the Expert group for ECoC’s, I’ve come to learn a lot about the cultural policies in other countries across Europe at both national and local level. Today, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission presented her team for the next five years. Glenn Micallef from Malta, has been assigned the EU Culture portfolio. Culture is now linked with ?????????????????????????????????? ????????????????, ??????????, and ?????????? within the same Commission portfolio. Micallef belongs to the labour party in Malta, who are delivering on an interesting Cultural Policy. Malta's Cultural Policy, stands out as one of the few national cultural agendas in the EU that sets an ambitious vision to embrace culture for the wellbeing of all. Inspired by cultural rights, it is to integrate culture in national development with a global outlook that contributes to sustainable development. The policy asserts the principle that culture is dynamic and ever changing, and creative practitioners through culture and the arts are the meaning makers that question and push the boundaries of society. It sets out to achieve a stronger cultural sector led by artists, cultural practitioners, civil society and communities, is fundamental to freedom of expression and to tolerance, and thus to democracy. Indeed, this policy takes a proactive approach to identify and remove barriers to ensure full and equal participation in cultural life. I’m looking forward to seeing what opportunities might arise in the coming period as a result of this appointment. #culturalpolicy #europe #excitingtimes #CultureAndCreativity#CulturalDevelopment #CreativeIndustries #UrbanRegeneration #EconomicDiversification #CulturalTourism #CulturalHeritage #DigitalInnovation #CityDevelopment #ArtAndCulture #CulturalDiplomacy #FutureCities #CulturalExchange Toni Attard

Attention history lesson coming up!?? Today we are celebrating the creation of the first European Community in 1950 ?? On this day a plan (Schuman plan) was proposed to bring several EU countries together and thereby form the first European community. Fast forward to 1993, when the European Union was created with the Maastricht Treaty and another fast forward to TODAY, where we celebrate this day that has brought so many countries together for exchange and cooperation! --Enough history lessons ?? What we want to say is, people worked hard to generate the EU which now gives us the flexibility to move, live and work in different countries effortlessly. ???? ?????? ?????? ???????? ?????? ???? ???????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????? ???????????????? ???????????? ?????? ??????????????? #crossborders #eu #workingabroad #expats #europeday #livingabroad #international #jobsabroad

Augusto Soto, "People-to-People Exchanges Tighten China-Europe?Bond", Madrid, Centro Riojano, May, 2024 https://lnkd.in/dnhwWDNE "The CICG’s think tank, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS), hosted the second China-France Forum on Global Governance in Paris on May 2, emphasizing the importance of jointly promoting multilateralism. Also, a delegation led by the CICG and comprising members from various?sectors, including the media, arts, and museums, visited?Spain, where they attended?the inauguration of a Chinese book center at the Centro Riojano in Madrid, one of the main hubs of culture in the capital, and a book donation at the China Culture Center in Madrid, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. […] Culture plays a paramount role in the bilateral relationship.?Spain is the cradle of the Western Hemisphere's second most widely spoken language. Spanish is one of America’s most spoken languages through which the American continent predominantly inherited the European culture and its main institutions via Spain and the Iberian Peninsula. Today these countries have important cultural and material ties with both the EU and China.?" #culture #book #spain #china

I was also part of the AFS program and I went to New Zealand back in 1993. Personally, this experience meant 2 practical changes to me: 1) I became open to change in almost every aspect of my life. When you are far away from home, in a culturally different country, you will always be changing and optimizing day-to-day life. I believe I’m a very adaptative individual towards corporate and entrepreneurial life today because I opened my mind. 2) Critical Thinking: when you are exposed during a whole year/semester to be comparing the good/the bad /the worse of your country towards your host country and viceversa, you definitively develop a critical point of view. Just inagine how lucky you are if you have 3 or more experiences living overseas. I recommend to anyone looking for inspiration, motivation and becoming a better version of themselves.

Is Europe's cultural diversity its strength or a hurdle to unity? While our rich background of traditions, languages, and histories is undeniably valuable, it can also be a source of division. Could a common EU policy for cultural heritage be the bridge we need? By protecting and promoting shared monuments, traditions, and stories, we may forge a stronger sense of European identity, while still preserving our unique national cultures. This is not a simple solution, but it's a conversation worth having. #CulturalHeritage #EuropeanIdentity #EUPolicy