Commission launches new Culture Compass for Europe

On November 12th, the European Commission presented its vision for a vibrant and integrated European cultural landscape with the launch of the Culture Compass for Europe. This forward-looking framework is designed to shape EU cultural policy, to ensure that culture plays a central role in fostering European identity, celebrating diversity, and promoting excellence.

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.

More information: European Commission