1.The action shall contribute to the following general objectives:
(a)strengthening European citizens’ sense of belonging to the Union, in particular that of young people, based on shared values and elements of European history and cultural heritage, as well as an appreciation of national and regional diversity;
(b)strengthening intercultural dialogue.
2.In order to achieve the objectives set out in paragraph 1, the action shall seek to attain the following intermediate objectives:
(a)stressing the symbolic value and raising the profile of sites which have played a significant role in the history and culture of Europe and/or the building of the Union;
(b)increasing European citizens’ understanding of the history of Europe and the building of the Union, and of their common yet diverse cultural heritage, especially in relation to the democratic values and human rights that underpin the process of European integration.
3.The sites themselves shall seek to attain the following specific objectives:
(a)highlighting their European significance;
(b)raising European citizens’ awareness of their common cultural heritage, especially that of young people;
(c)facilitating the sharing of experiences and exchanges of best practices across the Union;
(d)increasing and/or improving access for all, especially young people;
(e)increasing intercultural dialogue, especially among young people, through artistic, cultural and historical education;
(f)fostering synergies between cultural heritage on one hand and contemporary creation and creativity on the other;
(g)contributing to the attractiveness and the economic and sustainable development of regions, in particular through cultural tourism.