Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić has exchanged views with the Icelandic Minister of Culture and Business Affairs Lilja Alfredsdóttir.

The meeting started with the preparations for the Fourth Summit of the Heads of State and Government in Reykjavik (16-17 May), a historic opportunity for reinforcing the commitment to the Organisation’s values.

Moreover, the exchange of views focused on the importance of Council of Europe treaties, such as the Framework Convention on the value of cultural heritage for society (known as the “Faro Convention”) and the Convention on Offences relating to Cultural Property (known as the “Nicosia Convention”). The latter is the only international legal instrument specifically dealing with the criminalisation of the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

Marija Pejčinović Burić highlighted the relevance of the new campaign (to be launched in October) for the Safety of Journalists, aiming at the effective implementation of the Recommendation on the protection of journalism and safety of journalists and other media actors. Finally, the role of the cultural support fund Eurimages was on the agenda.