Od lokalnych światów do globalnej wioski. Problematyka europejskiego dziedzictwa kulturowego jako element polityki unijnej

Abstract

The notion of ethnic and cultural identity has modern connotations that give the problem of identity new meaning. On the one side there is consideration of human rights and acceptance of individual and collective identity. On the other, there are the social, political, and economic problems connected with European integration and progressive globalization. The concept of European cultural integrity and mutual cultural heritage emerged after World War II in response to war crimes and deficiencies in the existing international laws and conventions. In this article, the author gives a short outline of relevant European documents, such as acts, conventions, and programs dealing with the problem of cultural diversity and unity. The author gives special attention to the aspect of common culture heritage, both tangible and intangible, and underlines that EU policy treats safeguarding, protection, and conservation of cultural heritage both as an obligation of European member states and as an ongoing activity of citizens, in the frame of heritage NGOs.