Abstract

According to the author of this article, a support to multilateral cultural cooperation should be an utter priority for the European Union, also in view of developing a common foreign and security policy and to prevent a «clash of civilisations». European countries should thus stop to compete with each other through their national cultural institutes abroad, as they often do, but rather try to join their efforts. A leading and catalyst role should be played by the EU, by creating Houses of European Cultures in some emblematic, key capital cities outside Europe. Such Houses should not be managed by diplomats, but rather by experienced and talented European cultural operators, with the aim of fostering mutual respect an understanding as well as international cultural dialogue.