Culture plays a key role in Europe’s societies, economies as well as EU’s relations with international partners (see European Union strategic framework for culture).
Supporting cultural heritage
Cultural heritage enriches the individual lives of citizens and plays a key role in creating and enhancing Europe's social capital. European cultural heritage benefits from a range of EU policies, programmes and funding.
Socio-economic value of culture
The respect for and promotion of the diversity of European culture is of high importance for the European Union, as stated in its Treaties. Therefore, culture in the EU is also recognised for its wider socio-economic value which needs to be supported and which, in return, contributes to the cohesion, inclusion and well-being of our societies and communities.
Boosting gender equality and diversity
As recognised by the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022, gender equality is a pillar of cultural diversity and culture has a key role to play in challenging stereotypes and promoting societal changes.
Measuring the positive impact of culture
Given the importance of culture for the European Union, it is essential for Europe to dispose of accurate data on the socio-economic contribution and the role of culture in order to assist policy-making as well as to support investment in the cultural sector.