Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe: a long-term strategic vision for culture in Europe
Signed by the presidents of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, the Joint Declaration sets a shared ambition for cultural policy.
Europe's three main EU institutions have united behind an unprecedented political commitment to place culture at the centre of the union's strategic agenda.
A long-term strategic vision for culture in Europe
The European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission have signed a Joint Declaration setting out twelve guiding principles for cultural policy across Europe. The declaration positions culture as both a strategic resource for, and a beneficiary of, European unity, democracy and competitiveness.
Today, we reaffirm that culture is the soul of Europe - and its greatest strength. This Declaration is a promise to our artists, our citizens, and future generations: a promise to defend artistic freedom, to invest in creativity, and to ensure that culture remains a force for unity and progress - a strategic asset in today’s turbulent times. When culture thrives, Europe thrives.
In an era of rapid change and new challenges for the world, the Joint Declaration places culture at the heart of Europe’s identity by reaffirming its role as a fundamental pillar of European values, resilience and sustainable growth. It recognises culture and cultural heritage as a public good, while acknowledging culture’s intrinsic, societal, civic and economic value, and the EU’s role as a global cultural powerhouse.
Twelve guiding principles
Inspired by the Culture Compass for Europe, the Joint Declaration sets out twelve guiding principles for cultural policies in Europe on:
- Freedom of artistic expression and the right to create
- Cultural and linguistic diversity
- Access to culture for all
- Fair, just, healthy and safe working conditions for artists and cultural professionals
- Youth representation and participation in cultural life
- Synergies between culture, arts, and education
- Culture’s contribution to health and well-being
- Ethical and responsible use, development and governance of AI
- Protection, safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage
- Culture’s role in fostering regional & territorial development, resilience and social cohesion
- Culture's contribution to environmental sustainability
- Integration of culture and cultural heritage in EU’s internal and external policies, investing in culture and monitoring progress
The three institutions commit to supporting dedicated funding and diversified financing for cultural and creative sectors, embedding culture across EU policies and funding instruments, improving data on culture, maintaining close dialogue with stakeholders, and promoting the Joint Declaration in the EU’s external relations.
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