The aim is to increase people’s mutual understanding and appreciation of the many different cultures in Europe, and to help them develop a sense of the values and traditions we share as part of our common European citizenship. 

In addition, the year aims to highlight the contribution of different cultures to the member states’ heritage and way of life, and to recognise that intercultural dialogue is essential for learning to live together in harmony.

We supported the proposal from the outset as it echoes our involvement with many diverse communities of black and minority ethnic groups, of migrant communities, of people with different social and educational backgrounds, of different religions and language groups.

We held a consultation on the proposal in 2006. On 29 April 2007, Minister for Culture David Lammy wrote to all other Government Departments asking them to publicise the year.

Non-profit-making organisations are invited to apply for the limited EU funding available for eligible projects under the year. Guidance on how to apply for funding can be found on the EUCLID website http://inter.culture.info/. Deadlines for applications are 9 July 2007 for UK-focused projects and 31 July 2007 for trans-national projects.

Further information about the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue can be found on the European Commission’s Europa website.