EU is working on the establishment of a "European Cultural Heritage" brand

Brussels - The European Union wants to create its own set of European cultural heritage monuments in the future, similar to UNESCO, which includes monuments from around the world in its list. This was stated today by Czech Minister of Culture Václav Jehlička in Brussels. According to him, Prague has already chosen a quartet of the first Czech representatives: the modern historic core of Zlín, the ironworks of Vítkovice, Kynžvart Castle, and also the High School near Příbram, which is associated with the world-famous Czech composer Antonín Dvořák.
    Jehlička emphasized that the aim of the EU project is not to compete with the UNESCO list. "It will be a slightly different level and will not compete with world cultural heritage," he declared.
    According to him, a network of European monuments will be created that had some significance for Europe, for its history and development. "We are not only focusing on monuments and their restoration, but also on the people associated with the places, on the ideas that emerged from certain locations," the Czech minister added.
    The modern historic core of Zlín was chosen by the Czechs because of its Baťa architecture, which represented a significant achievement in Czech culture and the history of Czech architecture. The High School near Příbram was selected due to its connection to the world-renowned musician. "We are placing the personality of Antonín Dvořák, associated with this place, into European cultural heritage," Jehlička said.
    The Vítkovice ironworks were described as an immense treasure in the field of industrial architecture. Kynžvart Castle is a significant cultural monument, but it is also connected to the figure of Prince Metternich and important negotiations about the future of Europe in history.
    In the future, according to the minister, the battlefield of Austerlitz from the Napoleonic Wars or other Czech monuments could be added to them.
    The plan, which was approved today by the culture ministers, will now be addressed by the European Commission. During the Czech presidency, which will take place in the first half of next year, it is expected that the idea will be turned into a concrete form. The final approval is then expected from the union probably no earlier than the Swedes, who will replace the Czechs in the presidency in the second half of 2009.