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Culture: the Compass for Europe’s Future

As Europe confronts a cascade of crises, from the erosion of its foundational values to a feeling of loss of power and shared identity, the question arises, “What can we do to change the dangerous course of our continent?” And as most of these challenges have a deeply cultural dimension, the next question is, “What can culture do?” This is not a rhetorical question; it is imperative.

To answer these questions and set the course for its next chapter, Culture Action Europe and their partners Europa Nostra and European Cultural Foundation, are pleased to announce and invite you to its Cultural Deal for Europe campaign’s annual policy conversation, “Culture: the Compass for Europe’s Future.

On 4 February 2025, we will be joined by the European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture & Sport, Glenn Micallef; Deputy Minister for Culture and National Heritage in Poland, Marta Cienkowska; Chair of the Culture and Education Committee of the European Parliament, MEP Nela Riehl and other MEPs; former European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit; and policymakers from Member States to discuss with representatives of the wider European cultural and cultural heritage community the pivotal role of culture for Europe and its future.

As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for a new strategic framework for culture in Europe – dubbed the ‘Culture Compass’ – to “guide and harness the multiple dimensions of culture”, this policy conversation is about providing actionable ideas and examples from across Europe that can shape the Culture Compass in an impactful way. It will allow different voices to fuel the consultation process in an open, democratic and transparent way. 

The event will also look at the financial resourcing of its strategic choices. While the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) is expected to be a “simpler, more focused, and responsive long-term budget” and of a transformative nature, how will culture be positioned in the EU’s next seven-year budget (2028-2034)? The European Commission will present the first MFF proposal in the second half of 2025; hence, this event is a very timely opportunity to set the strategic frame and discuss its financial implications. 

The Cultural Deal partners call for a minimum of 2% of the EU’s future budget to be earmarked for the cultural and creative sector via a dedicated Culture programme. As per the estimates of the European Parliamentary Research Service, each euro invested in the creative and cultural sector on the EU level generates a return of up to 11 euro of GDP.

The 2025 edition of the Cultural Deal for Europe annual policy conversation will discuss:

  • How can culture and cultural heritage unleash their full potential for Europe without being instrumentalised?
  • How ambitious is Europe with regard to culture? What does a powerful cultural leadership look like? How can culture be more strategically positioned within EU policy: policy and budget-wise?
  • How can culture and cultural heritage foster a European sentiment and a common public sphere?
  • What can be done together to strengthen democracy and freedom at times of polarisation and divisions? What can culture do to foster democratic, free, plural, peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive communities?

The Cultural Deal for Europe is an initiative by Culture Action Europe (CAE), Europa Nostra, and the European Cultural Foundation (ECF). Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign succeeded in making culture part of the European and national recovery and resilience funds and secured EUR 12 billion for culture. 

The 2025 policy conversation, in partnership with Bozar, the Centre for Fine Arts Brussels, will occur on 4 February 2025 from 14.00 to 18.00. While the venue is already at capacity, the event will also occur online, with the opportunity for online attendees to contribute to the conversation.

watch the livestream

learn more about the cultural deal