The EU has launched a new initiative titled “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans (CC4WBs)” which will promote peaceful relations and socio-economic development. The project will be implemented by UNESCO as well as the British Council and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.

Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said “I am glad that, together with my colleague Commissioner Várhelyi, we could launch such an ambitious action of €8 million to support the cultural and creative sectors in the Western Balkans. Mainstreaming culture can lead to mutual understanding, peaceful cooperation and stability, as well as to economic benefits, especially in a region which is so rich in cultural heritage. I am committed to assisting the integration of the Western Balkans in all areas of my portfolio, and I wish great success to UNESCO and its partners in implementing this initiative.”

Education and research institutions, students and media professionals from independent media and networks, blogs and other producers of cultural content will be key to the initiative.