MEIA welcomes the European Commission’s pivotal proposal to significantly increase the Creative Europe budget from €2.4 billion to an impressive €4.9 billion for the upcoming 2028–2034 period. This substantial commitment is not merely a financial adjustment; it represents a profound recognition of the indispensable role that culture, in its myriad forms, plays in forging Europe’s collective identity, strengthening social cohesion, driving sustainable development, and building future resilience in an ever-evolving world.

For too long, the cultural and creative sectors (CCS) have demonstrated their immense value, not only as a source of artistic expression and heritage preservation but also as a powerful engine for economic growth and societal well-being. Investing in culture fosters a deeper understanding among diverse European communities, promotes democratic values, and provides a crucial counter-narrative to divisive forces. It cultivates innovation, generates employment, and enhances Europe’s global standing as a beacon of creativity and diversity.

A New Structural Approach: AgoraEU

The proposed integration of Creative Europe within the broader AgoraEU program, boasting a total budget of €8.6 billion, signals a progressive and strategically aligned structural approach. This new framework aims to streamline and enhance support for culture, media, and civil society, acknowledging their interconnectedness in fostering an open and democratic European society. The preliminary allocation of this comprehensive budget is foreseen as follows:

• 21% to Creative Europe – Culture: This strand will continue to champion cross-border cooperation, networks, platforms, and literary translation, supporting a vast array of cultural initiatives.
• 37% to Media+: Acknowledging the profound impact of the audiovisual sector, this significant allocation underscores its importance in shaping narratives, fostering media pluralism, and promoting European content globally.
• 42% to Democracy, Equality, Rights & Values (ex-CERV): This substantial portion highlights the EU’s commitment to fundamental rights, active citizenship, and democratic participation, recognising that a vibrant cultural ecosystem is integral to a healthy democracy.

Bridging Ambition and Investment: Room for Growth

While MEIA unequivocally applauds the proposed overall budget increase as a meaningful and highly welcome advancement, we believe there remains considerable room to better align funding levels with the true ambitions and profound impact of the cultural sector across Europe. The cultural and creative industries contribute significantly to Europe’s GDP and employment, often acting as pioneers in innovation and social inclusion. However, they frequently face unique challenges, including precarious working conditions, fragmented markets, and limited access to traditional finance. The proposed increase, while substantial, should be seen as a strong foundation upon which to build, rather than the ultimate ceiling for investment in a sector so vital to Europe’s soul and future.

Upholding Visibility and Autonomy

We extend our sincere commendation to Commissioner Glenn Micallef and his cabinet for their exemplary leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening the cultural dimension within EU policy and funding frameworks. Their vision for a more integrated and impactful cultural programme is highly appreciated.

As discussions now transition to the European Parliament and the Council, MEIA urges for continued and robust dialogue to ensure that the Creative Europe, Culture strand maintains both its essential visibility and crucial autonomy within the larger AgoraEU framework. It is paramount that the distinct needs and specificities of the cultural sector are not diluted within a broader programme.

Maintaining a clear, dedicated strand for culture ensures tailored support for artistic creation, cultural heritage, and cross-border collaboration, allowing the sector to thrive independently while benefiting from increased investment and synergies with media and civil society initiatives.

Our Continued Commitment

MEIA remains steadfastly committed to working alongside our national and European partners – artists, cultural organisations, policymakers, and stakeholders to support a strong, independent, and well-resourced cultural programme. We believe that by nurturing Europe’s creative communities, we invest not just in arts, but in the very fabric of our shared future, reflecting the ambition, diversity, and immense potential that lies at the heart of the European project. We look forward to engaging constructively in the upcoming negotiations to ensure that culture continues to receive the strategic investment it deserves.