Opera Europa has been invited to the table to discuss the next EU long-term budget, for years 2028 to 2035. The process is at an important milestone: the European Commission has proposed a budget to the European Parliament, and now we have a role to play, as the Council of the EU joins the negotiations.
We are inviting our members to step up and get involved! The Council of the European Union involves government ministers from each of the 27 member states. Ministers attend meetings according to their specific policy areas: your Ministers of Culture are being consulted in relation to cultural matters.
Together with Culture Action Europe, we have been campaigning for 2% for culture in the budget (in contrast to less than 0.5% in the current budget). At a time when democracy and freedom of artistic expression are at stake, and where European competitiveness is a concern in the global world, we ask for the recognition that culture, arts and creativity play a major role in supporting today and building tomorrow’s Europe.
Beyond a clear funding line for culture (such as the Creative Europe programme, with which many of you will be familiar), we are also requesting funding clearly ear-marked for culture in other relevant programmes, such as competitiveness, research and regional development.
Now is the time to act!
The European Parliament needs our support to improve culture’s position in the budget proposal.
Do you need guidance on how to get involved?
Contact Hannah Griffiths, our Associate Director, Development & Collaborations!
On 12 November, the European Commission published “A Culture Compass for Europe”, a new strategic framework designed to shape EU cultural policy (including the role of culture in other policy areas). It establishes a vision for culture, sets key directions and flagship actions. It addresses themes such as artistic freedom, working conditions, access to culture, global competition, Artificial Intelligence and resilience in times of crisis. Opera Europa is working closely with Culture Action Europe and other networks to explore what the Culture Compass means for our sector and how to harness the possibilities it presents.
Download the full document on https://culture.ec.europa.eu/
