EU institutions sign joint declaration to place culture at centre of policy

Brussels, 18 June 2026

On the sidelines of the European Council today in Brussels, the President of the European Commission, the President of the Parliament and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union  signed a joint declaration entitled ‘Europe for Culture, Culture for Europeâ€. The declaration sets out their shared political commitment to protecting, promoting and supporting culture in Europe.

Europe for Culture

In their joint declaration, the three EU institutions reaffirm the EU's role in protecting   cultural and linguistic diversity and integrating cultural considerations across all EU policies, while respecting national competencies.

The institutions set out their commitment to placing culture at the heart of the European project by protecting and promoting artistic freedom, cultural diversity, inclusion and fair conditions for artists. Furthermore, they pledge to support the cultural and creative sectors by encouraging funding, innovation and capacity building, as well as by promoting Europe's role as a global cultural and creative leader.

Culture for Europe

The joint declaration also acknowledges the immense benefits that Europe's cultural and creative sectors provide in terms of fostering a shared European identity, underpinning core EU values such as freedom, equality and respect for human rights, and boosting the EU's competitiveness.

The signatories recognise the key role that culture plays in addressing contemporary challenges, including geopolitical tensions, climate change, the digital transition, social inequality and the mental health crisis. They highlight, moreover, the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors to economic growth, innovation, territorial cohesion and environmental sustainability.

Twelve core principles

The commitments laid down in the declaration are organised around twelve overarching principles. Some of the principles focus on support for artists and cultural professionals and include pledges to protect artistic freedom of expression, promote fair pay and decent working conditions while respecting the role and autonomy of the social partners, and foster an ethical, human-centric and rights-based approach to the use of artificial intelligence.

Other principles in the joint declaration are aimed at fostering broader access to culture and to the cultural and creative professions, particularly for young, vulnerable or marginalised persons. They include commitments to enhancing inclusive access to culture, promoting arts education, and strengthening support for young artists and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The social and environmental benefits of culture are highlighted in the declaration. They are reflected in commitments to promote the positive effects of culture on health and wellbeing, harness the potential of culture to foster regional development, including through sustainable tourism, and stress the importance of culture in policy responses to ecological challenges.

The declaration also seeks to promote the EU's cultural and linguistic diversity. Moreover, the three institutions commit to protecting Europe's cultural heritage, including by using digital technologies to foster its preservation.

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Quote(s)

Our culture is at the core of our identity. As well as being a source of Europe's economic and geopolitical strength. Today, we commit to protecting artistic freedom and making art accessible to all citizens – especially our youth. Culture must remain a force for unity and learning.

^{Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission}

 

Europe's story is told through its art, culture and creativity. Today's Joint Declaration sends a clear signal that we will continue to place culture at the heart of the European project. By supporting creative minds, protecting artistic freedom and strengthening our cultural and linguistic diversity, we are investing not only in one of Europe's greatest strengths, but also in the millions of people whose talent, innovation and creativity help our societies and economies flourish.

^{Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament}

 

Today's joint declaration recognises the crucial role of culture in shaping European identity. At a time of geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change, investing in artists, cultural heritage and creativity is also an investment in democracy, freedom and the values that bind Europe together. By signing this declaration, we are sending a clear message: culture must be fully integrated into European policymaking as a strategic priority for Europe's future.

^{Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus as the Rotating EU Council Presidency}

Source – EU Commission