CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2007
| Author | Liedtke, Christoffer Vincent |
|---|---|
| Title | THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION'S UNDERSTANDING OF THE "EUROPEAN SIGNIFICANCE" OF CULTURAL HERITAGE: THE CASE OF THE CULTURE 2000 PROGRAMME |
| Summary | This thesis examines the European Commission’s understanding of the “European significance” of cultural heritage projects within the framework of the Culture 2000 Programme. In answering this question, the analysis contrasts two perceptions of the Commission: one as the “driver” of European integration and a unitary actor, and the other as a fragmented bureaucratic institution enjoying a high degree of discretion in its policy implementation activities. In connection with the first view, the thesis analyzes the popular interpretation of the European significance of cultural heritage as its ability to promote a “European identity” in the general public. On the basis of theoretical insights drawn from identity construction theories, the analysis of the projects, and personal interviews with civil servants working in the DG Education and Culture, I argue that the claim on purposive identity construction as part of the EU’s cultural policy is difficult to substantiate. Instead, I focus on an alternative explanation of the Commission’s understanding of European significance, influenced by its nature as a technocratic expert agency. The thesis also demonstrates that the technocratic nature of the Commission and its DGs still allows room for identity-related issues, but as a by-product of cultural policy, rather than as its main goal. Finally, I use my findings to draw some preliminary conclusions concerning the role of the Commission in promoting European integration in policy domains that go beyond its usual sphere of competencies. |
| Supervisor | Littoz-Monnet, Annabelle |
| Department | International Relations MA |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2007/liedtke_christoffer.pdf |
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