The European Commission presented its vision for a vibrant and integrated European cultural landscape with the launch of the Culture Compass for Europe. This forward-looking framework is designed to shape EU cultural policy, to ensure that culture plays a central role in fostering European identity, celebrating diversity, and promoting excellence.
“I believe that for the EU to thrive, it must place culture at the heart of its political vision and its social and economic strategy. Culture and freedom of expression are the foundation of a vibrant Europe. Today we are putting a plan in place and pledging to uphold these shared values,” said Roxana Minzatu, Executive Vice-President of Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, in a press conference today (12th of November) in Brussels.
According to the latest Eurobarometer on Culture, 87% of respondents believe that culture and cultural heritage should have a very important place in the Union so that citizens feel more European. In response, according to the European Commission's press release, the Compass aims to “leverage the benefits of culture, notably by promoting Europe's cultural assets, as well as addressing the major hurdles hindering the cultural and creative industries”.
These include restrictions on artistic expression, the precarious livelihoods of artists, unequal opportunities for cultural participation, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the sectors. The Culture Compass will guide EU policies in four key directions for an EU that upholds and strengthens European values and cultural rights; empowers artists and cultural professionals and supports people; draws on culture and cultural heritage to become more competitive, resilient and cohesive; and champions international cultural relations and partnerships.
“Europe is a global cultural powerhouse, home to the world’s greatest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites, a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, art, architecture, and music. Our shared cultural heritage is a reflection of who we are. A Joint Declaration on culture from the EU Institutions will send the right message – that Europe stands up for culture and culture stands for Europe,” said Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Culture, Youth, and Sport at the Press conference.
The Compass' ambitions and political ownership will be underpinned by a proposal from the Commission to the European Parliament and Council for a draft Joint Declaration between the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission. A new report on the State of Culture in the EU will track progress in the cultural and creative ecosystem, with particular emphasis on artistic freedom.
Furthermore, several new initiatives will be launched. They will include a new EU Artists Charter for fair working conditions for artists and cultural workers, a European Prize for Performing Arts, and a cultural stakeholders' dialogue.
Last but not least, according to the Commission, there are also plans for an EU cultural data hub and a Youth Cultural Ambassadors Network to improve young people's access to culture. This is done through a voluntary framework for national culture and cultural heritage passes. An AI strategy for the cultural and creative sectors and an update of the EU strategy on international cultural relations are also foreseen.
Creatives Unite is following the story closely and will continue reporting in the next few days in detail on the matter. Stay tuned.
*All information for this article is coming from the official press release announcements of the European Commission. To find out more visit:
Factsheet: Culture Compass for Europe
Questions and answers on a Culture Compass for Europe
Culture and Creativity - The dedicated European Commission's website
