The Council of the European Union
The Council of the EU is a legal entity that consists of the ministers of EU member states. Council meets in 10 different “configurations”, depending on the subject being discussed. There are about 200 Working Parties that support Council’s work on different subjects. The areas that are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture of Latvia are mainly covered in Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council.
Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (EYCS)
The EYCS Council is composed of the ministers responsible for education, culture, youth, media, communication and sport from all EU member states. The precise composition of the Council depends on the items discussed in a particular meeting.
More about the Council of the European Union
The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia participates in following working parties:
Cultural Affairs Committee (CAC) is responsible for cultural affairs. The Committee evaluates and discusses all proposals relating to EU cultural cooperation and EU initiatives in the area of culture and prepares the work of the Council. The Committee’s work is based on the overall European Cultural Agenda and the Work Plan for Culture (2015-2018), established by the EU ministers for culture.
Working Party (AWP) is responsible for television and film issues. It deals both with legislation, such as the Media Services Directive, and support and joint programmes in the area of film and television. The working party deals also with other relevant topics e.g. concerning the Digital Agenda for Europe, including the creative and cultural content of the Internet, the protection of the minors, media literacy and digitalization.
Working Party on Intellectual Property (Copyright) is responsible for copyright issues dealt by the European Union. The main function of the working party is to examine legislative proposals presented by the European Commission. It also does preparatory work laying ground for Council decisions, for instance, decisions on the conclusion of international copyright treaties. The scope of working party’s activities likewise includes the coordination of European Union’s position and strategy regarding the work in the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).