Działalność Rady Ministrów Wspólnot Europejskich w dziedzinie kultury w latach 80. XX w.

The European integration processes have had over the years many shapes, faces and, masks. European politicians noticed, as late as at the turn of 70s and 80s of 20th century that culture can signifi cantly influence the social life, economy, as well as international relations. At that time, however, they did not formulate any proposals of specific activity which could have lifted culture to supranational position, and the culture remained in the realm of national policies. In the early 80s, Ministers of Culture of the European countries, dissatisfied with cultural policy of the European Community, or rather lack of it, informally established intergovernmental Council of the Ministers. The council was announcing resolutions and recommendations for the European Commission, European Parliament, and European Council. The objective of this paper is analysis of the pioneering role of Ministers of Culture in integration processes at culture level. The research reveals that the intellectual and political work and influence of Ministers played a pivotal role in formulating the first paradigm of the Community’s cultural policy. They were also instrumental in creating fi rst programmes directed to culture and cultural operators in Europe.