The EU as a cultural market economy: In need of 'cultural correction?'

Abstract

<s:chapter_1> <cn>1.<ct>The EU as a cultural market economy: In need of 'cultural correction'? <p:au>Evangelia Psychogiopoulou and Sarah Schoenmaekers <fs:abstract>The recognition of cultural diversity as a constitutional value of the EU and the complexity surrounding EU cultural competence, have long raised questions about the interconnection between culture and the market, especially in the light of the EU's pre-eminent economic focus. Concern has been voiced in particular about the extent to which the Union's economic policies can accommodate and embrace national (and regional) cultural preferences and whether (or not) there remains room for national (and regional) cultural policy-making in light of core economic projects lying at the heart of European integration. This introductory chapter explains the objectives of the book, namely to provide fresh insight into the ways in which culture interconnects with and is treated by EU economic law and policy; and to revisit questions pertaining to the nature, scope and extent of the competence of the EU and its Member States in the field of culture. It also presents the structure of the book.