Commission adopts new Culture Compass for Europe
With the new strategy the Commission recognises and aims to fully harness culture’s potential for Europe, while addressing the challenges facing the sectors.
The Culture Compass for Europe sets out a new and comprehensive vision for the future of culture, whereby Europe stands up for culture and culture stands for Europe.
To harness culture’s full potential, it is essential to address the most pressing challenges confronting the cultural and creative sectors and industries:
- threats to artistic freedom
- precarious working conditions of artists
- unequal access to culture
- the impact of artificial intelligence
To tackle these, the Culture Compass will guide EU policies in four key directions. These are defined as an EU that
- upholds and strengthens European values and cultural rights
- empowers artist and cultural professionals, and supports people
- draws on culture and cultural heritage to become more competitive, resilient and cohesive
- champions international cultural relations and partnerships
“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, and today we are putting a plan in place, and pledging to uphold these shared values.”
– Roxana Minzatu, Executive Vice-President of Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness
Advocating for a Joint Declaration to achieve these goals
The Commission has invited the European Parliament and the Council to consider agreeing and co-signing a proposed Joint Declaration.
The aim would be to strengthen political commitment to achieving the vision of culture as an integral part of the EU’s identity and development.
“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.”
– Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Culture, Youth and Sport
Key actions of the Culture Compass for Europe
To achieve the goals, the Culture Compass proposes key actions, such as
- an EU Artists Charter
- a new EU Cultural Data Hub
- a new EU State of Culture Report
- an AI strategy for the cultural and creative sectors
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