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The preservation of cultural heritage in Europe benefits from regulation of games of chance close to the citizens

A panel debate[1] took place on the “Political and regulatory aspects to protect cultural heritage” in the historic Concert Noble in Brussels, on 15 May. In the framework of 2018 being the European Year for the protection of cultural heritage, MEPs from different countries and parties discussed about the benefits of a regulatory framework close to the citizens. The event gathered over a hundred guests, among whom there were also several representatives of national lotteries and their beneficiaries.

Andreas Kötter, one of the panel speakers and Chair of Eurojackpot, whose members contribute to projects that help preserve the EU’s rich patrimony, explained:

“Because the regulation of the lottery sector is situated at the national level, we can contribute to national budgets. This means that the winnings of the lotteries can fund projects where it matters most – close to the people and projects that depend on it”.

The principle of subsidiarity enables lotteries to finance in all countries social, cultural, environmental, sporting and humanitarian projects that are tailored to the priorities of the citizens. This allows them to be not only participants and potential winners in the lotteries, but also to become the main contributors to society’s needs.

The evening reception was dedicated to the Future of the European Union. On this occasion, Mr Kötter recalled the European Union motto and its connection to the nature of Eurojackpot.

“Like the European Union, Eurojackpot is united in diversity. National Eurojackpot funds are a European success story - making a difference to people’s lives every day. And we want to keep on making sure that everyone’s a winner.”

MEP Guy Verhofstadt delivered a key note speech to the audience. The main focus of his intervention was on the current reform discussions that have been taking place since the release of the White Paper on the Future of Europe on 1 March 2017. MEP Verhofstadt particularly stressed the importance of the federalist project for the EU. Only by a re-definition of the main EU institutions and their competencies it would be possible to ensure the respect for the subsidiarity principle, and therefore develop closer and deeper contacts with local communities.

He affirmed that: “The future for the European Union is to create a Federal Union, with solid and powerful institutions able to face common challenges. All other actions must be implemented at the most appropriate level, either at national, regional or even local level.”

 

Contact details for press enquiries:

Nils Petersen

Head of the Eurojackpot representation in Brussels

Mobile: +49 170 921 3687
nils.petersen@westlotto.de

 

Extra information:

About Eurojackpot

Eurojackpot is a cooperation of 33 state lotteries in 18 European countries organising a game of chance together. Eurojackpot was created in 2012 and is held every week on Friday evening (https://eurojackpot.com/).

About the causes that are supported:

Eurojackpot members finance social, cultural, environmental, sporting and humanitarian projects, across Europe. For example:

  • Working in partnership with the Red Cross in Italy, local communities received over 276.000 euros from the national lottery to help them rebuild after the devastating earthquake of 2016.
  • In Latvia, the lottery funds charities providing vital support for vulnerable children
  • Since 1948 the Norwegian national lottery has invested more than five billion euros in sports: helping Norway to win a record number of 39 medals at the 2018 Winter Olympics
  • Lottery funding is also essential for the restoration of the World Heritage Site of Cologne cathedral in Germany.

For more information watch the video ‘Eurojackpot – everyone’s a winner’



[1] The panel was composed by MEPs Petra Kammerevert (S&D, Germany) and Elisabeth Morin-Chartier (EPP, France), Ms Catherine Magnant (Head of task force European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, DG EAC, European Commission), Ms Stephané Pallez (Chair of France’s national lottery games) and Mr Andreas Kötter (Chair of Eurojackpot). MEP Maite Pagazaurtundua (ALDE, Spain) made the closing remarks.

 

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