AgoraEU: a positive step for the performing arts

The amendments to the AgoraEU draft report have now been submitted by the members of the European Parliament, marking an important milestone in the negotiations. While this is not yet the final stage of the process, the overall picture is encouraging: the performing arts are now far more visible in the text than they were in the original proposal by MEP Emma Rafowicz. 

Several amendments recognise the performing arts explicitly, either by integrating the sector into broader objectives of the AgoraEU programme or by proposing a dedicated specific objective for the performing arts alongside other cultural sectors. The latter would create a clearer basis for future performing arts initiatives within AgoraEU and would reflect many of the arguments we have put forward regarding the value and needs of the sector. 

This progress is the result of the collective advocacy efforts over the past weeks led by IETM and supported by other key performing arts networks — Circostrada, European Dance Development Network, European Festivals Association, and the European Theatre Convention. At the same time, the negotiations are still ongoing. The next phase will involve discussions between MEPs, possible compromise amendments and, eventually, a vote in the CULT Committee of the European Parliament before the file moves further through the parliamentary process. We will continue to follow the developments closely and advocate for a strong, practical and future-oriented recognition of the performing arts in AgoraEU. 

You can read our earlier statement here and find all MEP amendments here