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Debate titled “Protection of cultural heritage as a new area of activity for peace and security in the EU’s external action”

05.07.2021

Challenges related to cultural heritage protection in conflicts and crises were at the centre of a debate organised by the Permanent Representation of Hungary to the European Union on 5 July 2021. The event was remotely attended by Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Paweł Jabłoński.

Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Paweł Jabłoński

The aim of the meeting was to exchange views and experiences of EU member states and representatives of international organisations, including EU institutions, as regards the protection of cultural heritage during conflicts and crises. Cultural heritage protection during conflicts and crises is one of new challenges (apart from hybrid and cyber threats, organised crime, radicalism, and terrorism) that, from the perspective of the EU and its member states, call for a concrete response.

The starting point for the discussion were the conclusions on the EU strategic approach to cultural heritage in conflicts and crises. Adopted by the Council of the European Union on 21 June 2021, the conclusions added the protection of cultural heritage to the EU’s foreign policy toolbox, and provided a new political and operational framework on cultural heritage protection. This is yet another element of including international cultural relations into the EU’s foreign and security policy (CFSP) and measures to ensure peace and sustainable development.

“Our unique historical experience makes us particularly aware of the importance of protecting cultural heritage in conflicts and crises, its political sensitivity, complexity, and its symbolic role in preserving one’s national identity and the sense of dignity in difficult conflict situations. I am convinced that cultural heritage protection can play a significant role in preserving peace as well as in supporting development,” said the deputy chief of Polish diplomacy, recalling losses that Poland suffered during World War II and the 123 years of partitions.

Deputy Minister Jabłoński recalled that in 2018, upon Poland’s initiative, UNESCO adopted the Warsaw Recommendation on Recovery and Reconstruction of Cultural Heritage. He added that in 2020, the International Centre for Training and Research on Cultural Heritage in Danger was established in Wrocław. Undersecretary of State Paweł Jabłoński also referred to the experience of Polish military missions and the contribution made by Polish archaeologists to the protection of cultural heritage worldwide.

MFA Press Office
 

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