The European Cultural Foundation (ECF) is an independent, Europe-wide, non-profit making, cultural foundation. Established in 1954 and based in The Netherlands, the ECF is dedicated to promoting intercultural understanding and activity in Europe and the cultural dimension of European integration. The ECF is not constrained by the EU agenda and embraces all aspects of the wider Europe.

The ECF has an International Board and an Advisory Council. It operates through a network of partners and a number of fora in different European countries, such as the Irish Committee.

On 21 October 2009, Mme Odile Quintin, Director General for Education, Training, Culture and Youth at the European Commission gave a stimulating address on the topic of creativity and innovation at the Institute of International and European Affairs. For a copy of her address please click here.

On Wednesday 23 June 2010, President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, gave the keynote address at a major conference in the Chester Beatty Library on ‘How People Live their Lives in an Intercultural Society’. This event and accompanying report launch were the culmination of a two-year New Communities project undertaken by the European Cultural Foundation in Ireland. For more details on this, please visit our Projects page.