integrating international cultural relations in the range of its foreign policy instruments, while recognising the need for a cross-cutting approach to culture. This was outlined in the The European Union aims to strengthen the effectiveness and impact of its foreign policy by, while recognising the need for a cross-cutting approach to culture. This was outlined in the Council conclusions on 8 April , that have established the EU strategic approach to international cultural relations and a relevant framework for action.

This is a further acknowledgement of the new EU cultural policy and the result of an awareness process which started in 2016 following the " Communication towards an EU strategy in international cultural relations ". It is also the result of the work of five different Presidencies of the Council and the Friends of the Presidency Group.

shared, diverse heritage and to use the full potential of culture in building a more inclusive and fairer Union. They will make the Council in all its formations better aware of the EU cultural strategy and allow better policy coordination among Commission DGs, Member States and cultural organizations. The Conclusions also refer to the ‘ New European Agenda for Culture’ of 2018 which aims to raise awareness of Europe'sand to use the full potential of culture in building a more inclusive and fairer Union. They will make the Council in all its formations better aware of the EU cultural strategy and allow better policy coordination among Commission DGs, Member States and cultural organizations.

The Conclusions also take stock of synergies and complementarity between EU and its Member States in international cultural relations, as mentioned in the joint Communication, such as the launch of the European Houses of Culture pilot project and its implementation by EUNIC, the umbrella organisation of EU national cultural institutes.

By this, the European Union seeks to strengthen:

- mutual learning, cross-cultural understanding and trust between the EU and its partners in external relations, while empowering local cultural sectors as engines for inclusive and sustainable development, social and cultural progress, and fostering cultural diversity, innovation and economic resilience;

- external dimensions of the cultural policies, programmes and projects as well as cultural and creative dimension of international relations of the EU and its Member States by strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation between and within Union institutions and Member States.

The relevant Framework for action invites the Member States and EU institutions to, among others, strengthen coordination on the best way to promote international cultural relations, promote cooperation with third countries and international organisations, implement common projects and actions in third countries.