On 1 March, president Junker presented White Paper on the future of Europe in European Parliament. In this White Paper, he presents 5 possible scenarios for the EU’s future. They range from:
- continuing as the EU is functioning now,
- downscaling the European project (back) to an economic union,
- focusing only on what seems to ‘work’,
- a multi-speed Europe, or on
- doing much more together.
We greatly regret that culture is mentioned in none. Yet Culture Action Europe welcomes the fact that Mr Junker takes initiative in times when decision makers seem paralysed and reactive at most. These scenarios, the reaction of policy makers at all levels and public opinion will be determining for the future of our continent.
We as the culture sector and as European citizens must lead a discussion that can support work on a scenario that can guide us into a sustainable future of the European project. It is this project which has brought us the longest period of peace and prosperity in the history of our otherwise war-stricken continent. It will also help to position Europe in the global arena- as distinctly European and yet conscious of our role in the world.
What is the role of Culture and the arts in the future of the EU? Which policy proposals or legislative changes do we aspire to promote?
Culture Action Europe therefore calls on its members and friends, convinced of the key role arts and culture can and should play in Europe, to join us in developing our Europe of Culture. Artists, networkers, cultural players, researchers, policy makers alike will come together to create a possible alternative. We wish to concretely devise a viable new scenario.
#EuropeofCulture
