What the EU does Culture brings a positive contribution to Europe’s society, its economy and international relations. While each EU country has its own cultural policies, the European Commission plays an important supporting role to help EU countries address common challenges and support the cultural and creative sectors. Currently the Commission is developing a more strategic approach to cultural policy, ensuring that culture is woven into policy making across the board, and that more Europeans have access to culture.To make this happen and to guide and harness the multiple dimensions of culture, the Commission has put forward in 2025 an overarching strategic framework, the Culture Compass for Europe. It replaced the 2018 New European Agenda for Culture. Facts about cultural policy € 2.44 billion Budget of the Creative Europe programme (2021-2027)67 sites have been awarded the European heritage label8 million people work in cultural and creative industries Sources: Creative Europe programme; European heritage label sites; Cultural and creative industries Areas of actionCultural and creative sectorsCreativity-driven industries shaping culture, identity, innovation, and economic growthCreative EuropeFlagship funding programme supporting the culture and audiovisual sectorsCultural heritagePolicies and programmes enhancing Europe’s cultural heritageEuropean Capitals of CulturePutting culture at the heart of European citiesMedia and digital cultureEU support to the digital transformation of the audiovisual and media sector Key achievements Since 1985, more than 70 cities have been designated as European Capitals of Culture, fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding among European citizens. The initiative has led to urban regeneration, increased tourism, and a strengthened sense of European identity.The European Union has been a significant supporter of the film industry through the MEDIA strand of its Creative Europe programme, which funds the development, distribution, and promotion of European films. This has led to numerous EU-supported films achieving critical acclaim at the Oscars, Festival de Cannes and other prominent film festivals.MEDIA supported over 1 100 cinemas in 34 countries, reaching 65 million viewers annually, thereby increasing the accessibility of European films to diverse audiences.Digital technologies have provided new opportunities to preserve and reuse cultural content, making it accessible to all audiences. The Europeana digital platform enables people to explore a wealth of cultural heritage from more than 4 000 museums, galleries, libraries and archives across Europe.Culture Moves Europe is the EU’s most extensive cultural mobility initiative. With a €25 million budget spanning from 2025 to 2028, so far it supports around 7 000 artists, cultural professionals, and host organisations across all 40 Creative Europe countries, offering two types of grants: individual mobility and artist residencies. In focus Culture’s importance in societyAccording to the latest public survey, culture remains a cornerstone of European society, with Europeans placing it at the top when asked what fosters a sense of community, alongside shared values and history. 87% of respondents agree that culture and cultural exchange should have a very important place in the EU so that citizens from different EU countries can feel more European.An overwhelming 86% say cultural heritage is important for Europe, confirming that culture and heritage are not just a reflection of the past but a vital part of everyday life. Read more Latest news 27 January 2026Speech by Commissioner Micallef at High-level Meeting on Heritage and Architecture in Ukraine9 January 2026EU opens new chapter in its relations with SyriaSee all Related informationCulture and CreativityFunding
Culture brings a positive contribution to Europe’s society, its economy and international relations. While each EU country has its own cultural policies, the European Commission plays an important supporting role to help EU countries address common challenges and support the cultural and creative sectors. Currently the Commission is developing a more strategic approach to cultural policy, ensuring that culture is woven into policy making across the board, and that more Europeans have access to culture.To make this happen and to guide and harness the multiple dimensions of culture, the Commission has put forward in 2025 an overarching strategic framework, the Culture Compass for Europe. It replaced the 2018 New European Agenda for Culture.
Cultural and creative sectorsCreativity-driven industries shaping culture, identity, innovation, and economic growth
Media and digital cultureEU support to the digital transformation of the audiovisual and media sector
Culture’s importance in societyAccording to the latest public survey, culture remains a cornerstone of European society, with Europeans placing it at the top when asked what fosters a sense of community, alongside shared values and history. 87% of respondents agree that culture and cultural exchange should have a very important place in the EU so that citizens from different EU countries can feel more European.An overwhelming 86% say cultural heritage is important for Europe, confirming that culture and heritage are not just a reflection of the past but a vital part of everyday life. Read more
27 January 2026Speech by Commissioner Micallef at High-level Meeting on Heritage and Architecture in Ukraine
