Supporting the Call: Keep Europe's Culture strong - EWC

What’s the call about?

Together with Culture Action Europe 30 cultural networks and organisations are urging European leaders to:

reverse the proposed budget cut to Creative Europe, the EU’s sole dedicated instrument for cultural funding.
2% of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034) should be allocated to European cultural content creation and the reinforcement of Europe’s democratic cultural ecosystem, both through AgoraEU and across other funding programmes.

Due to the Council’s proposal to cut €27.56 million EUR in commitment appropriations and €9.86 million cuts in payment appropriations outlined by the Council of the European Union for the Creative Europe Programme the EWC signed the letter to

Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark

Ministers of Finance of the EU Member States

Ministers of Culture of the EU Member States

Brussels, 1 October 2025

Read the full Letter to the Council by Creative Europe

Why is it important?

This call is important. Europe’s culture is important – and to keep the budget and to protect Europe’s culture is important because:

The Creative Europe programme plays an integral role in supporting the arts, culture, cultural heritage and creative sectors in Europe. […]

Culture, creativity, and heritage are an essential part of our daily lives and form a key pillar of European society. Cultural participation and infrastructure are fundamental to a flourishing democracy; they improve our health and wellbeing, they bring people together across various art forms and disciplines, and they embolden us to act to shape a more sustainable, inclusive future for all based on shared values. We co‑create and enjoy culture collectively as a public good with intrinsic value.

We – all of the following cultural networks and organisations – stand ready with Culture Action Europe to work with you and other stakeholders to achieve this vision and provide any further information you may require.