In times of uncertainty and change, culture strengthens our democracy, social cohesion, competitiveness and resilience. This chimes with the latest Eurobarometer on Culture that shows that 87% of respondents believe that culture and cultural heritage should have a very important place in the Union, so that citizens feel more European. 

Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe
In response, the Compass aims to leverage the benefits of culture, notably by promoting Europe's cultural assets, as well as addressing the major hurdles hindering the cultural and creative industries. These include restrictions on artistic expression, the precarious livelihoods of artists, unequal opportunities for cultural participation, and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the sectors.

The Culture Compass will guide EU policies in four key directions, for an EU that: upholds and strengthens European values and cultural rights; empowers artist and cultural professionals, and supports people;  draws on culture and cultural heritage to become more competitive, resilient and cohesive;  and champions international cultural relations and partnerships.

The Compass' ambitions and political ownership will be underpinned by a proposal from the Commission to the European Parliament and Council for a draft Joint Declaration between the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission. A new report on the State of Culture in the EU will track progress in the cultural and creative ecosystem, with particular emphasis on artistic freedom.

Furthermore, several new initiatives will be launched. They will include a new EU Artists Charter for fair working conditions for artists and cultural workers, a European Prize for Performing Arts, and a cultural stakeholders' dialogue. There are also plans for an EU cultural data hub and a Youth Cultural Ambassadors Network to improve young people's access to culture through a voluntary framework for national culture and cultural heritage passes. An AI strategy for the cultural and creative sectors and an update if the EU strategy on international cultural relations are also foreseen.

Next steps 
The Commission invites the European Parliament and the Council to co-sign the proposed draft Joint Declaration to strengthen the EU's political commitment to achieve its vision for culture.

A Culture Compass for Europe
Introduction
Europe is a vibrant hub of cultural diversity, renowned for its languages, cultural heritage, artistic expressions, and creative innovations. Europe has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites of cultural, natural or mixed importance than any other region in the world. It is the home of linguistic diversity, with more than 24 EU official languages and over 60 regional or minority languages.

This cultural richness is a testament to Europe’s shared history and memory, and a driving force shaping its future, fostering a European sense of belonging and strengthening European values, as attested by 87% of citizens who view culture and cultural heritage as key to feeling more European.

In Europe, cultural diversity is celebrated, safeguarded and continuously reimagined. It provides fertile ground for artists and cultural professionals to create, innovate and push boundaries.

Europe’s cultural legacy and vibrancy foster exchange, dialogue, and mutual understanding across communities and generations.  Cultural activities and engagement with Europe’s rich cultural heritage are vital to our European way of life.

Evidence shows that societies with higher cultural participation are more open, tolerant, democratic, and economically robust, and that cultural consumption is effective in countering hate. Participation in cultural activities is also shown to increase the likelihood to vote, volunteer, and participate in community activities.

It contributes to social and territorial cohesion and resilience, and to better health and well-being. 87% of Europeans agree that participating in cultural activities or attending artistic events improves their emotional or physical well-being. Moreover, Europe’s cultural and creative sectors and industries are key to boost innovation and competitiveness, create jobs, promote sustainable tourism, and make our regions and cities more attractive.

The more than 2 million enterprises which make up the cultural and creative industries in the EU, generate around EUR 199 billion in value added and employ 7.9 million people across Europe.  Internationally, Europe’s vibrant cultural landscape is a source of soft power and a reputational asset. It facilitates the establishment of mutually beneficial international partnerships, enhances global engagement, and supports the EU enlargement process. 

At the same time, culture’s strategic importance for Europe is underestimated and yet to be fully valorised. In an era of rapid and complex change, geopolitical tensions, foreign information manipulation and interference, antidemocratic movements, the climate crisis, technological shifts and the digital transition, Europe must recognise and harness culture’s potential to confront these pressing issues. 

Cultural and creative sectors and industries face specific challenges, including threats to artistic freedom, precarious working conditions, inequalities in access to culture, rising global competition, and AI-related intellectual property rights issues. Equally, by leveraging new technologies, these sectors can further enhance their creative production and their innovation potential, but also the accessibility of culture and audience engagement.

Despite significant progress over the past years through the European Agendas for Culture6 and the Work Plans for Culture, the EU still lacks a future-proof strategic framework to consistently include and elevate culture’s role in policy making.

This is why President von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines, “Europe’s Choice”, started by stressing the importance of Europe’s cultural diversity and heritage for Europe’s future.

Equally, the European Council’s Strategic Agenda8 recognised the need to promote cultural diversity and heritage, while the European Parliament9, the Council10, and stakeholders have stressed the importance of an EU strategic framework for culture.

In response to these calls, the Commission presents a Culture Compass for Europe, establishing a vision and identifying flagship initiatives.

Recognising the potential of culture to unite, the Compass is also accompanied by a draft Joint Declaration to be agreed by the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission.

For the EU to thrive, it must place culture at the heart of its political vision, and its social and economic strategy. The Culture Compass will also serve as the strategic anchor for culture within the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

All the report here.