The open letter has been endorsed by 70+ European associations, collectively representing close to 20.000 organisations active across the performing arts, music, literature, architecture, heritage, visual arts, audiovisual, and media sectors throughout Europe. In addition, 200+ national cultural organisations have expressed their support for the initiative.

According to the 2025 Eurobarometer, culture is the number one factor contributing to a sense of community among EU citizens, even above shared values, economy, and language. In a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressure, and democratic backsliding, Europe needs unity more than ever. And that unity begins with cultural connection.

Creative Europe is the EU’s only programme fully dedicated to culture and the creative sectors. Yet it represents a tiny fraction of the EU budget. Doubling the budget of Creative Europe would be a modest investment financially, but a powerful signal of commitment to the values of solidarity, creativity, and European identity.

Across Europe, cultural organisations are under pressure: facing cuts, inflation, and increasingly constrained freedoms. If we want artists and institutions to continue inspiring, connecting and challenging our societies, we must give them the means to do so.

That’s why the sector is coming together to urge the European institutions and member states to:

Support a stand-alone Creative Europe programme in the next MFF;
Double the budget of Creative Europe to reflect its real value and potential impact;
Defend culture as a strategic investment in the future of Europe.

Culture is how Europe speaks to its citizens and to the world. Let’s give it the place and the support it deserves.

Below and attached to this news item is the full letter with the signatories.

Culture is the strongest force binding EU citizens together.

According to the 2025 Eurobarometer, culture ranks as the number one factor contributing to a sense of community among Europeans - above other factors, such as shared values, history, economy, language, education, the rule of law, healthcare and environmental concerns.

Europe needs unity.
In an era marked by geopolitical instability, military invasions, democratic backsliding, economic pressures, and weakened alliances, Europe faces profound tests. These challenges require bold investments in what makes this continent resilient and competitive. But let us be clear: no investment will succeed unless Europeans feel connected - to each other and to a shared vision for the future.

Competitiveness needs solidarity. Solidarity begins with culture.
The capacity to stand together in crisis, to make difficult compromises for the collective good, and to move forward as one Europe depends not just on treaties or budgets, but on trust, empathy, and a shared cultural horizon. Culture fosters these human ties. It is the bridge between peoples and the foundation of a meaningful European project.

In a divided world, culture is our common ground.
As hostility and polarisation rise globally, culture remains one of the few spaces where humanity can still imagine a better world - together, beyond today’s divisions. If Europe wants to lead in this fractured world, it must champion cultural dialogue, not as an afterthought, but as a strategic priority.

Let’s not abandon Europe’s cultural leadership.
The EU has long played a leading role in promoting cultural cooperation across borders - advancing mutual understanding, creative collaboration, and peace. This role is more vital than ever. While other global players retreat from cultural openness Europe has a historic opportunity to step forward. Not to promote its own culture above others, but to uphold culture as a universal good: a space for global connection, reflection, and shared responsibility.

This is why we must invest in culture.
Creative Europe is the EU’s only programme fully dedicated to culture and the creative sectors. Reiterating our support for the call and letter initiated by Culture Action Europe, we call on the European Parliament, the European Commission, and Member States to preserve Creative Europe as a stand-alone programme in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, double its budget and to raise the overall budget for culture to 2% of the MFF.

By doing it, what does the EU have to lose?
Almost nothing, in financial terms. It would still be a tiny fraction of EU spending.

What does it stand to gain?
A great deal: renewed solidarity, deeper community, and strengthened global leadership values no crisis can afford to lose.

This call is urgent.
Across the continent, public funding for culture is being reduced. Attacks on artistic freedom are growing. Inflation, austerity, and political pressure have left artists and cultural workers underpaid, undervalued, and vulnerable. We risk silencing the very voices that keep European democracy alive, critical, and inclusive.

Is this the reality that will inspire people to believe in Europe’s future? Or act in solidarity when it matters most? If we believe in a stronger Europe - and a better world - we must invest in its cultural foundation. Double the Creative Europe budget. Safeguard its independence. Let culture lead us forward.

EcocNews has signed and supports this letter.

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