This paper analyses the processes and priorities of the creation and further development of integral cultural space in Europe in the context of the enlargement of the European Union. The processes of the creation and further development of integral cultural space in Europe in the context of the enlargement of the European Union are defined as an especially important transformation. Some new non-traditional ideas and models of possible development in general, as well as of the cultural changes, are discussed. The main attention is given to the transition processes in the Central and Eastern Europe, as well as to the processes of integration of the society of the Central and Eastern European countries into the general European cultural space. It is shown that provision of equal rights could be defined as the highest priority in the process of creating the integral cultural space in Europe. It is shown that the special attention should be paid to the problems and priorities of the ecology of culture, especially-in the context of the contemporary processes of the European integration in general. The definition of the ecology of culture is described. The needs and priorities of the provision of equal rights and of the solutions of the problems of ecology of culture, especially in the Central and Eastern European countries, are characterized. These needs and priorities are identified in the context of the processes of creation and further development of integral cultural space in Europe, as well as considering to the main challenges for the further transition and modernization processes in the conditions of globalization, European integration and creation of the knowledge based society and knowledge economy. New theoretical concept oriented to the creation, development and further modernization of integral cultural space in Europe in the context of the enlargement of the European Union is described. Priorities of cultural policies to be implemented in the situation of the enlargement of the European Union are discussed. Available online at www.sciencedirect.com (c) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
