Let Culture Lead us Forward - European cultural sector unites to call for a stronger Creative Europe programme

The European cultural sector has come together to call on the European Commission, European Parliament and Member States to reinforce the Creative Europe programme in the next EU long-term budget (MFF).

The open letter has been endorsed by 70+ European associations, collectively representing close to 20.000 organisations active across the performing arts, music, literature, architecture, heritage, visual arts, audiovisual, and media sectors throughout Europe. In addition, 200+ national cultural organisations have expressed their support for the initiative.

According to the 2025 Eurobarometer, culture is the number one factor contributing to a sense of community among EU citizens, even above shared values, economy, and language. In a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressure, and democratic backsliding, Europe needs unity more than ever. And that unity begins with cultural connection.

Creative Europe is the EU’s only programme fully dedicated to culture and the creative sectors. Yet it represents a tiny fraction of the EU budget. Doubling the budget of Creative Europe would be a modest investment financially, but a powerful signal of commitment to the values of solidarity, creativity, and European identity.

Across Europe, cultural organisations are under pressure: facing cuts, inflation, and increasingly constrained freedoms. If we want artists and institutions to continue inspiring, connecting and challenging our societies, we must give them the means to do so.

That’s why the sector is coming together to urge the European institutions and member states to:

• Support a stand-alone Creative Europe programme in the next MFF;
• Double the budget of Creative Europe to reflect its real value and potential impact;
• Defend culture as a strategic investment in the future of Europe.

Culture is how Europe speaks to its citizens and to the world. Let’s give it the place and the support it deserves.

Read the letter in full here. If you represent a cultural organisation and would like to co-sign the letter, you can do so through this webform.