Stand up for AgoraEU - Defend culture and protect democracy
In 2025, IETM and Liveurope led a campaign to double the budget of Creative Europe. Now, the proposed 30% cut to AgoraEU is threatening the future of culture, independent media, civil society and democracy itself.
On Thursday 29 November, we took our message to the streets and joined Culture Action Europe and other arts, media, cultural and civil society organisations at the Schuman Square in Brussels.
IETM Secretary General Ása Richardsdóttir spoke on behalf of the performing arts in Europe, asking: What do our thousands of letters, campaigns, evidence and collective advocacy count for now?
Culture already receives only a tiny fraction of the EU budget. The proposed cut would reduce AgoraEU from €8.58 billion to €6 billion - this would mean fewer opportunities for artists, less support for press freedom and fewer resources for organisations defending democratic values across Europe. For the IETM network, this funding is vital as it enables artists and cultural organisations to collaborate internationally, develop their practice and reach new audiences.
Earlier last week, we shared a campaign kit with our EU-based members, asking them to contact their national Minister responsible for European Affairs and urge them to defend AgoraEU and reject any reduction to its budget. We invite you to continue to take action and stand up for AgoraEU, defend culture, and protect democracy!
