Culture has long been recognized as a cornerstone of European identity and progress. It fosters integration, promotes shared values, and drives economic growth. Yet, despite its immense significance, culture remains marginalized in political discourse and budgetary allocations.
The #CulturalDealEU (CDEU) initiative, spearheaded by the European Culture Foundation, Culture Action Europe, and Europa Nostra, aims to rectify this oversight. Ahead of the pivotal European Parliament elections in 2024, the initiative calls upon political groups to prioritize culture in their electoral platforms and recognize its vital role in shaping the future of Europe.
A recent Eurobarometer survey underscores the importance of culture to European citizens, with eight out of ten respondents expressing a strong connection to their cultural heritage. The cultural sector employs millions of individuals, contributing significantly to the EU’s GDP. However, a mere 0.2% of the EU budget is currently dedicated to culture, a disparity that reflects the undervaluation of this crucial sector.
The CDEU letter emphasizes the urgent need for the European Parliament to address the impact of culture on society. The far right has recognized the power of culture to influence hearts and minds, and has exploited it to further its agenda. Culture defines European identity and should occupy a central position in the European project and discussions about the continent’s future.
The European Culture Foundation has a long history of championing culture in the EU. It has played a pivotal role in major cultural exchange programs, including the Erasmus student exchange program, which has facilitated the education of millions of students abroad. The Cultural Deal for Europe campaign, launched by the European Culture Foundation, Culture Action Europe, and Europa Nostra, was instrumental in securing €12 billion in funding for the recovery of the culture sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CDEU campaign builds upon the success of the Cultural Deal for Europe. It demands that European politicians prioritize culture by incorporating it into their manifestos and engaging with cultural leaders to understand its significance for civil society. The initiative envisions improvements for both the market and non-market aspects of the culture sector, ranging from supporting industries like film and music to fostering a strong European sentiment. The CDEU proposes assigning culture to the portfolio of a Vice-President of the European Commission and implementing long-reaching EU cultural policies to ensure that culture remains at the heart of European decision-making.
