Cohesion and Well-being

The important role that culture, cultural heritage and cultural diversity play in social cohesion and well-being is widely accepted by policymakers, researchers and practitioners. This is based on promoting participation and understanding, by empowering people and increasing their self-confidence. Cross-sectorial cooperation with other sectors can have a significant effect on cohesion and well-being.

The Council Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022 recognises cohesion and well-being as one of its priorities, understood in its meaning to increase awareness in Europe about the value of arts, culture and cultural heritage and its contribution to well-being and quality of life. In this priority area, special attention should be paid to the role of culture at local level, to the quality of architecture and the living environment and to culture-led social innovations contributing to the development of cities and regions at European and national level.

EENC contribution to date

Support to the Open Method of Coordination Working Group of Member States’ experts on "Towards a shared culture of architecture. Investing in high-quality living environment for everyone"

In 2021 the OMC Working Group of Member States’ experts "Towards a shared culture of architecture. Investing in a high-quality living environment for everyone " was requested to provide a Report. Its analyses and recommendations address high-quality architecture and built environment for everyone at European and national level. The Report also presents best practices in EU Member States.

An EENC expert assisted in the drafting of the Report. On request of the OMC Working Group the expert is currently working on the online version of the Report with extended web functions.

The Report was published in February 2022 and is available here.