IETM's Reaction to the EU Budget Proposal 2028-2034
IETM welcomes the European Commission’s proposal, announced on 16 July, to double the budget for Creative Europe from €2.4 billion to €4.9 billion for the 2028 - 2034 period. This positive development aligns with the demands of the campaign we launched earlier this month, calling for stronger and more ambitious cultural investment at the EU level.
We salute Commissioner Glenn Micallef and his cabinet for this uphill achievement and urge our members and all cultural stakeholders to closely follow the next steps. The proposal will now move to the European Parliament and the Council, where Member States will begin debating and negotiating the final outcome.
As it stands, Creative Europe will no longer be a stand-alone programme, as our campaign advocated, but it will retain its independent brand within the new AgoraEU umbrella. We remain concerned about the long-term political commitment to a strong and autonomous space for culture, thus we believe it is necessary to reinforce the distinct identity of the Creative Europe strand. The total budget of AgoraEU is expected to reach €8.6 billion, provisionally divided as follows:
- Creative Europe - Culture: 21%
- Media+: 37%
- Democracy, Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (ex-CERV): 42%
The doubling of the overall budget is a significant and necessary step forward. However, this proposal is still far from matching the ambitions culture deserves.
The European Commission’s proposal is undeniably bold, and it comes with significant implications for Member State contributions to the overall EU budget. This financial ask has already sparked strong reactions, reservations or outright opposition from Member States. As a result, the proposal is facing considerable scrutiny. In this context, it is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive. Continued advocacy will be essential to ensure that the increase for the Creative Europe - Culture strand is not weakened during negotiations.
National finance and culture ministers must be urged to recognise the strategic value of cultural investment and to support a strong, well-funded programme for culture within the final Multiannual Financial Framework. We need the help of all of you to continue advocating with us for culture in the EU’s future!
Read the analysis by Culture Action Europe for more information