Utilization of EU programs to carry out activities that promote the implementation of the Convention
The strategic goals of interventions co-financed by the European Structural and Investment funds include the promotion and enhancement of Greece’s rich cultural heritage, support for the cultural and creative sectors and contemporary culture, and support for contemporary creation with an emphasis on young and emerging artists and creators.
The National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) was the reference document for the programming of European Union Funds at a national level for the 2007–2013 period. Greece’s strategic planning for that period was implemented through eight (8) Sectoral Operational Programs (OP), five (5) Regional Operational Programs and twelve (12) European Territorial Cooperation Programs. These programs were funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
In the NSRF 2014-2020 culture is mainstreamed in practically all sectoral and regional operational programs, since culture, together with tourism and the cultural and creative industries, has been identified as one of eight priority sectors which are expected to make a greater contribution to economic growth. The implementation of the NSRF in the sector of culture is expected to further promote and enhance the heritage of all periods for the benefit of wider audiences, to support contemporary culture, institutions and creators, and in particular to strengthen its support for the cultural and creative sectors that have been recognized as important drivers of growth. Promoting employment, education, and life-long learning and enhancing institutional capacity and the efficiency of public administration in the culture sector are among the priorities of national policy.
The “Creative Europe-Greece”, Desk is responsible for the promotion of the “Creative Europe 2014-2020” program of the European Commission in Greece. -“Creative Europe-Greece”, Desk - Department of International Relations and European Union of the Ministry of Culture and Sport.
The promotion and enhancement of Greece’s rich cultural heritage, support for the cultural and creative sectors and contemporary culture, and support for contemporary creation with an emphasis on young and emerging artists and creators.
The Special Service for Culture acted as the intermediary implementation body for the Operational Programs “Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship” €98 million delegated budget), the Regional Operational Programs for Attica (€105.5 million delegated budget) and for the Ionian Islands (€10.5 million delegated budget), as well as the Operational Program “Human Resources Development” (€15 million delegated budget) co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF).
The years 2012 and 2013 marked the end of the 2007-2013 Programming Period. The Greek government has co-funded 654 projects all over the country, especially in the regions, to reinforce basic cultural infrastructure, to safeguard and enhance cultural heritage and to promote contemporary culture and creativity while at the same time providing access to cultural goods and services to a larger and more diversified public. These actions represent an investment of € 624 million.
The Program MEDIA supports Greek cinema with funds of over €1.5 million a year.