CAE to von der Leyen: “Take these arguments into account as you prepare for SOTEU”
As the European Union prepares for the 2025 State of the Union address this week, Culture Action Europe has written to President Ursula von der Leyen with a clear message: culture is essential to Europe’s democracy, trust, and resilience.
In our letter, we acknowledge the important groundwork already laid by the EU: the proposed doubling of the culture budget under the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the development of the new Culture Compass strategy, and the solidarity shown through cultural support for Ukraine. These steps demonstrate a growing recognition of culture’s role in shaping Europe’s future.
Looking ahead, we urge the European Commission to prioritise four key actions:
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Protect artistic freedom through inclusion in the Rule of Law Report and the adoption of an EU Artistic Freedom Act.
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Celebrate today’s creators with a Year of Contemporary European Culture.
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Recognise culture as security by embedding it in resilience and democracy strategies.
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Adopt a Charter on Working Conditions in Culture to ensure fair pay, fair share, and fair systems for artists and cultural professionals.
As the EU evolves, there is a strong case for culture to be reflected more prominently as a distinct pillar within the European Commission’s strategic priorities.
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