Minister Franceschini launches the idea of a European Civil Protection for cultural heritage

Cultural Heritage Minister Dario Franceschini, during the International Conference on the Protection of Cultural Heritage organized for the 50th anniversary of the Carabinieri’s Heritage Protection Unit, launched the idea of a European civil protection for cultural heritage, capable of intervening in case of damage, theft, natural disasters, voluntary destruction and in general problems to cultural property.

“We need humanity to take care of this heritage by protecting it from theft, from natural disasters, from damage,” Franceschini said. “It is not possible that there is no predefined tool. Instead, I think, it would be important to build it at the European level. In this, we can play a fundamental role.”

Franceschini further specified, referring to the destruction carried out by terrorist groups (think of what happened in Syria and Iraq), “the international community must intervene, to protect. This is why the Italian idea of blue helmets of culture was born.” The minister then concluded by emphasizing Italy’s role: “we are the first country that has set up a rapid response group. We are a leading country, we must use this role, take it into account as a great instrument of cultural diplomacy. Culture is the first identity that we have to enhance and defend at a time when the country so badly needs to rediscover a pride of its own.”

Minister Franceschini launches the idea of a European Civil Protection for cultural heritage

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