Proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) {SEC(2005) 1202}
Brussels, 5.10.2005
COM(2005) 467 finalIntercultural dialogue is intimately linked to the fundamental ambition underlying the construction of Europe, namely to bring together the peoples of Europe. This vocation on the part of the Union requires dialogue to be voluntarily declared a priority, in order to call upon European citizens, and all those living in the European Union, to play a full part in managing our diversity, which is enriched by increasing variation and by the changes and additions brought about by globalisation. Moreover, intercultural dialogue is an instrument which could facilitate the implementation of a series of strategic priorities for the Union. A European Year devoted to intercultural dialogue constitutes a unique awareness-raising tool for affirming this priority and involving citizens.