Conservative MEP concerned about the establishment of the European Heritage Label

Emma McClarkin MEP today voted on a new European Heritage Label, which seeks to promote the rich and diverse culture and heritage across the European Union and support historical sites in their funding and future development.

However, Miss McClarkin stressed that the new label does pose a number of concerns. For a start, funding for the new scheme imposes additional financial costs for central departments, which, during this period of austerity measures, seems completely out of touch. In addition, Miss McClarkin and other MEPs prevented the label being confined to simply ‘European Union heritage’, as members of the socialist group had urged.

Speaking after the vote, Miss McClarkin said:

“It is important to celebrate our cultural diversity and shared heritage, however, we must not ignore the fact that we are in difficult economic times and spending additional money is something we should be very wary of.”

“The problem is compounded when some MEPs want to confine the scheme to simply ‘European Union’ heritage that excludes literally hundreds of years of European history and culture, which existed long before the EU was ever contemplated.”

“Nonetheless, as long as the new label does not seek to duplicate existing programmes, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Label, it will provide additional funding for sites in need of restoration and development across Europe – something that can be valued by everyone today and by future generations.”