The European Cultural Parliament was founded on the premises of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, in 2001, upon the initiative of the Swedish Ambassador Karl-Erik Norrman. The objective was – and is – to strengthen the role of cultural and artistic ideas and initiatives in Europe. In addition, the founders of the ECP wish to strengthen the exchange between citizens in Eastern and Western Europe and to encourage the dialogue between the young and the older generation. To do so the ECP holds yearly sessions, bringing together European personalities in the fields of arts, culture to exchange on relevant issues and create new perspectives.