Ochrona wielokulturowości w uregulowaniach konstytucyjnych oraz w wybranych programach wspólnotowych Unii Europejskiej

The aim of this article is presentation the problem of protection of multiculturalism in the European Union after its enlargement. There are two aspects of the issue: protection of cultural diversity within one community and within the space of the EU. The first part refers to the Polish and foreign regulations connected with the problem of protection of cultural pluralism. Special attention is paid to the rules of the Polish Constitution from 2nd April 1997 concerning to the liberty of conscience and religion. In addition, Austrian, German and French constitutional solutions referring to the liberty of religion are shortly presented. The second part of this article is presentation the EU programmes Culture 2000, MEDIA Plus and eContent. Analysis of these programmes shows that they promote the cultural diversity in Europe, which results from the cultural policy of the UE. In this context, it must be emphasized that article 151 part 4 of the consolidate version of the Treaty establishing the European Community states that the Community shall respect the diversity of its cultures. The EU programmes give the great opportunity to participate in the formation of the cultural policy of the EuropeanUnion. It is particularly important for Poland which should actively participate in these programmes. In conclusion, the author ascertains that the liberty of settling down in the EU inserts new norms and values into national cultures. Therefore, national minorities must have lawfully guaranteed the right to preserve their own religion, mother tongue and tradition. It must be stressed that this right is very well protected by Polish constitutional regulations. At the same time, the cultural policy of the European Union intends to encourage development of national cultures and promotion of inter-cultural dialogue. Consequently, one cannot agree with the statement that the process of integration of Europe will annihilate the cultural diversity in Europe. In particular, the entry of Poland to the European Union will not destroy Polish cultural identity. The EU s money will afford possibilities for quicker than ever development of Polish culture.