In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, international cultural collaboration is more essential than ever. Our new policy paper explores the role of culture in strengthening dialogue, trust, and cooperation across borders, while reaffirming the importance of artistic exchange as a cornerstone of democratic and sustainable societies.

Drawing on the experience of the performing arts sector and the work of international cultural networks, the paper highlights how cross-border artistic collaboration contributes to mutual understanding, professional development, and the defence of fundamental values such as artistic freedom, diversity, and human rights. It also examines the growing challenges facing international cultural cooperation, from shrinking civic space to unequal access to mobility and funding.

At a crucial moment for the future of EU cultural policy, we put forward concrete recommendations for the next generation of EU programmes — namely, AgoraEU and Global Europe. We call for stronger and more ambitious support for bottom-up international cultural partnerships, recognising culture not only as a strategic asset, but as a vital space for collective imagination, solidarity, and global engagement. 

Read the paper here