Nicosia, Cyprus. The protection of culture and heritage is a key priority for Cyprus, Deputy Culture Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou said on Tuesday during an informal meeting of EU culture ministers in Nicosia. She said Cyprus, as EU Council President, is prioritising culture amid rapid technological and geopolitical changes.
Culture and democracy
Kassianidou said discussions on preserving culture as a living expression of human creativity and safeguarding cultural heritage from growing threats are important. She said cultural creation is vital for strengthening European democracy and diversity, and that cultural rights remain a priority for the Cyprus Presidency.
AI and cultural production
She also pointed to challenges from technology, especially artificial intelligence, saying cultural production must remain grounded in human values. Kassianidou called for transparency in AI training data and greater public participation in shaping Europe’s digital future, referring to EU rules including the AI Act and the Digital Services Act, as well as the planned Cultural Compass for Europe.
Protecting heritage
A major focus of the meeting was the protection of cultural heritage and the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural goods. Kassianidou said heritage is central to identity and memory, and warned that conflict-driven looting in places such as Cyprus, Syria, Iraq and Ukraine fuels criminal networks and damages cultures.
Cooperation and enforcement
She urged stronger due diligence, closer cooperation between authorities and better tools to trace artefacts. Kassianidou said recent efforts under the Agora EU programme led to a partial agreement in Brussels last month, which she described as a positive outcome.
