A call to the European Parliament, the European Commission, and Member States

https://www.neme.org/blog/european-parliament-european-commission

Culture is the strongest force binding EU citizens together.

According to the 2025 Eurobarometer, culture ranks as the number one factor contributing to a sense of community among Europeans – above other factors, such as shared values, history, economy, language, education, the rule of law, healthcare and environmental concerns.
Europe needs unity.

In an era marked by geopolitical instability, military invasions, democratic backsliding, economic pressures, and weakened alliances, Europe faces profound tests. These challenges require bold investments in what makes this continent resilient and competitive. But let us be clear: no investment will succeed unless Europeans feel connected – to each other and to a shared vision for the future.

Competitiveness needs solidarity. Solidarity begins with culture.

The capacity to stand together in crisis, to make difficult compromises for the collective good, and to move forward as one Europe depends not just on treaties or budgets, but on trust, empathy, and a shared cultural horizon. Culture fosters these human ties. It is the bridge between peoples and the foundation of a meaningful European project.

In a divided world, culture is our common ground.

As hostility and polarisation rise globally, culture remains one of the few spaces where humanity can still imagine a better world – together, beyond today’s divisions. If Europe wants to lead in this fractured world, it must champion cultural dialogue, not as an afterthought, but as a strategic priority.

Let’s not abandon Europe’s cultural leadership.

The EU has long played a leading role in promoting cultural cooperation across borders – advancing mutual understanding, creative collaboration, and peace. This role is more vital than ever. While other global players retreat from cultural openness Europe has a historic opportunity to step forward. Not to promote its own culture above others, but to uphold culture as a universal good: a space for global connection, reflection, and shared responsibility.
This is why we must invest in culture.

Creative Europe is the EU’s only programme fully dedicated to culture and the creative sectors. Reiterating our support for the call and letter initiated by Culture Action Europe, we call on the European Parliament, the European Commission, and Member States to preserve Creative Europe as a stand-alone programme in the next Multiannual Financial Framework, double its budget and to raise the overall budget for culture to 2% of the MFF.

By doing it, what does the EU have to lose?

Almost nothing, in financial terms. It would still be a tiny fraction of EU spending.

What does it stand to gain?

A great deal: renewed solidarity, deeper community, and strengthened global leadership – values no crisis can afford to lose.

This call is urgent.

Across the continent, public funding for culture is being reduced. Attacks on artistic freedom are growing. Inflation, austerity, and political pressure have left artists and cultural workers underpaid, undervalued, and vulnerable. We risk silencing the very voices that keep European democracy alive, critical, and inclusive.
Is this the reality that will inspire people to believe in Europe’s future? Or act in solidarity when it matters most?
If we believe in a stronger Europe – and a better world – we must invest in its cultural foundation. Double the Creative Europe budget. Safeguard its independence. Let culture lead us forward.

Signatories

European associations, networks and platforms

  • ACT Association for Independent Theatre
  • AEPO Artis
  • Aerowaves
  • Architects’ Council of Europe (ACE)
  • Art Directors Club of Europe – ADCE
  • ASSITEJ International – International Association of Theatre & Performing Arts for Children & Young People
  • Association Balkan Express Network
  • CEPI – European Audiovisual Production Association
  • CEPIC INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE MEDIA LICENSING INDUSTRY
  • CICAE – Arthouse Cinemas
  • Circostrada, European network for street arts and contemporary circus
  • circusnext
  • Culture Action Europe
  • EAIPA – European Association of Independent Performing Arts
  • EDN – European Dance Development Network
  • EJN Europe Jazz Network
  • ELIA
  • ERIH European Route of Industrial Heritage
  • EUNIC (EU National Institutes of Culture)
  • EURO-MEI – Media, Entertainment & Arts sector of UNI Europa
  • Europa Distribution – The International Network of Independent Film Publishers and Distributors
  • European Choral Association
  • European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA)
  • European Council of Literary Translators’ Associations CEATL
  • European Crafts Alliance
  • European Creative Hubs Network
  • European Cultural Foundation
  • European Federation of Journalists (EFJ)
  • European Federation of National Youth Orchestras
  • European Festivals Association
  • European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists (EFFEA)
  • European Media Art Platform (EMAP)
  • European Music Council
  • European Music Exporters Exchange – EMEE
  • European Music Managers Alliance (EMMA)
  • European Network of Cultural Centres (ENCC)
  • European network on cultural management and policy, ENCATC
  • European Producers Club
  • European Theatre Convention (ETC)
  • European Union Youth Orchestra
  • European Writers’ Council (EWC)
  • EVA – European Visual Artists
  • FEDEC
  • Federation of European Publishers (FEP)
  • Federation of Screenwriters in Europe (FSE)
  • FERA – Federation of European Screen Directors
  • FIAPF – International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations
  • GESAC
  • IAO (International Artist Organisation)
  • IETM International network for contemporary performing arts
  • IMPALA – European association of independent music companies
  • IMPF – the global trade body for independent music publishers
  • International Federation of Actors (FIA)
  • International Federation of Film Distributors’ and Publishers’ Associations (FIAD)
  • International Union of Cinemas
  • International Video Federation
  • Keychange
  • LINA, the European Architecture Platform
  • Live DMA
  • Liveurope – the live music platform for new European talent
  • Magic Carpets / Openspace
  • Médianes/Sphera Network
  • Michael Culture Association
  • On the Move
  • Opera Europa
  • Pearle*-Live Performance Europe
  • REMA – European Early Music Network
  • Res Artis
  • Reset! network
  • Society of Audiovisual Authors (SAA)
  • Swinging Europe Network
  • Trans Europe Halles
  • YOUROPE – The European Festival Association

National associations, networks and organisations

  • 70 STEPS Baker, Tenné GbR
  • A:LL Schrëftsteller*innen asbl
  • Acting for Climate
  • AG Kino – Gilde e.V.
  • Agora – Pôle national cirque Boulazac Aquitaine
  • AG Verleih – Verband unabhängiger Filmverleihe e.V.
  • AIM Ireland
  • Aksioma – Institute for Contemporary Art, Ljubljana
  • Alamode Filmdistribution oHG
  • ALBA International
  • AllScreens
  • Alpenrepublik GmbH
  • alpha nova & galerie futura
  • Amerikafilm
  • Ancienne Belgique
  • ARC – Artists at Risk Connection
  • Arci Hexperimenta aps
  • Arcis_collective
  • Arkanum Pictures
  • Around About Circus
  • Ars Electronica
  • Arte Urbana Collectif
  • Art of Spectra
  • Artpolis
  • AS Fidalgo
  • Asociacija Aktyvistai
  • Asociația ARTLIT – The Romanian Association of Literary Translators
  • ASSITEJ Spain
  • Associació d’Escriptors en Llengua Catalana (AELC) / Association of Catalan Language Writers
  • Associacion for culture and sport Positive force
  • Association Ars Navitas
  • Association for nature conservation Machaon International
  • Association Kulturanova
  • Associazione Culturale CapoTrave / Kilowatt
  • Associazione Ventottozerosei Ets
  • Atabadoul(s) Les rencontres professionnelles du cercle au Maroc.
  • Autlook Filmsales
  • Baltic Film & Creative Tech Cluster
  • Barbacka Sthlm production
  • Beletrina Academic Press
  • Beta Festival
  • Beta Fiction Spain
  • BILOURA Intercultural Arts Collective
  • BILOURA Intercultural Arts Collective
  • BioArtLab
  • Bioart Society
  • Bjcem aisbl – Biennale des jeunes créateurs de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée
  • BodyMeld
  • Bright Age asbl
  • Bundesverband Freie Darstellende Künste e.V.
  • Bússola
  • C.Re.S.Co
  • C.Re.S.Co. – Coordinamento delle Realtà della Scena Contemporanea
  • CACO (Associação de artesãos de Odemira
  • CALIBRO, Confederazione Autrici e Autori del Libro
  • CapoTrave/Kilowatt
  • CCD Productions Ltd
  • Centre for Creative and Social Practices
  • Centrum för dramatik / Swedish Centre for Dramatic Writing
  • ciasargantana
  • Cine Global
  • CineStar Group
  • Circle of Arts (former Ørkenfortet)
  • Circuito CLAPS
  • Circuscentrum Flanders
  • Circus Futures
  • Cirko – Center for New Circus
  • Cirkuscentrum Sweden
  • City of Women, Association for the Promotion of Women in Culture
  • cloudshaper
  • Club Mixtape5
  • Club Mixtape 5, Sofia, Bulgaria / Every Night Events LTD
  • ConArte
  • Creative Europe Desk Italy
  • Croatian contemporary circus association
  • CSM Production GmbH
  • Cultivamos Cultura
  • Cultural Development Association CDA (Močvara)
  • Cultuurloket
  • CYENS CoE
  • D6 CULTURE EU
  • Danish Authors of Fiction and Poetry – Danske Skønlitterære Forfattere
  • Danish Authors’ Society
  • Danscentrum Sverige
  • Dansens Hus Stockholm
  • Dansk Samtidscirkus
  • Dansnät Sverige
  • Das SYNDIKAT – VEREIN FÜR DEUTSCHSPRACHIGE KRIMINALLITERATUR
  • déjà-vu film UG
  • Deutsche Filmakademie (German Film Academy)
  • die kulturbananen
  • discotec
  • Domino
  • Društvo Asociacija
  • Društvo DSI
  • Društvo humanistov Goriške
  • DUM Association
  • DutchCulture
  • DYNAMO Workspace for Circus and Performing Arts
  • Ectopia Lab
  • eksystent Filmverleih
  • Emanat
  • Emilia Romagna Teatro Fondazione
  • Estonian Actors’ Association
  • Exodos Ljubljana
  • Eyrie Entertainment GmbH
  • Fab Lab Barcelona
  • Fablevision
  • Farbfilm Verleih GmbH
  • Film and Music Austria (FAMA)
  • Filmdelights
  • Filmgarten
  • Filmladen Distribution
  • Finnish Actors Union
  • Fondation pour les Musiques Actuelles
  • Fondazione Aida
  • Fondazione Fitzcarraldo ETS
  • Forum For Folk Arts
  • Forum Ljubljana
  • FRAME Prague Comics Art Festival, z.s.
  • Francesca Vianello
  • FUIS – Federazione Unitaria Italiana Scrittori
  • Fundacja Sztuka w Mieście
  • FutureEverything
  • FUTURES Foundation
  • FZC – Zaragoza City of Knowledge Foundation
  • GČLOSA / SUKI
  • GDBA (Genossenschaft Deutscher Bühnen-Angehöriger)
  • Glej Theatre
  • GLiMT AMAGER
  • Globus Hystericus
  • Glosa SKG – sindikalna konferenca glasbenikov
  • Grafiskie stāsti
  • Grand Circus Hotel
  • Hangvető
  • HDF KINO e.V.
  • HEK (House of Electronic Arts)
  • HH Producties
  • IAAC – Advanced Architecture Barcelona
  • Idra teatro
  • IL CANTIERE performing arts
  • Illustratörcentrum – The Center for Illustration & Graphic Design
  • IMZ International Music + Media Centre
  • Initiative Urheberrecht / Authors’ Rights Initiative
  • InnoEUsphere Limited
  • Instant MIX theater lab
  • Inter Alia
  • Intercult, Sweden
  • Irish Equity
  • Irish Street Arts, Circus & Spectacle Network (ISACS)
  • ISSP (Latvia)
  • JA Circus
  • JERK OFF Festival
  • Jewish Culrural Centre Ljubkjana
  • Johnson & Bergsmark
  • Kaimera Productions
  • Kanta Company
  • Kassandra Production
  • Katapult Berlin
  • Kersnikova Institute Ljubljana
  • Kersnikova Institute Ljubljana
  • Kitt Johnson X-act
  • KLYS
  • KONTEJNER | bureau of contemporary art praxis
  • Koridor – križišča umetnosti
  • Kristina R Johnsen
  • Kulturhuset Stadsteatern
  • Kulturní a kreativní federace České republiky
  • Kulturno-umetniško društvo Moment
  • Kurzfilm Agentur Hamburg e.V.
  • La Brèche, Pôle National Cirque de Normandie
  • La Central del Circ
  • La chouette diffusion
  • Latvian Writers’ Union
  • Le Cratère – Scène Nationale d’Alès
  • Le Dimore del Quartetto
  • Le Palc – Pôle national Cirque Châlons-en-Champagne
  • Liisa Pentti +Co
  • Lindy Hop Bulgaria
  • Liv.in.g.
  • LJUDMILA Art & Science Laboratory
  • Lotta Lekvall
  • LRE Foundation
  • Lucky Dogs
  • Majestic Filmverleih
  • Malá inventura Festival
  • Marche Spettacolo
  • MENU SPAUSTUVE/Arts Printing House
  • Mer Dans åt Folket
  • Metropolis – Københavns Internationale Teater
  • MI FILM
  • Mini teater Ljubljana
  • MKC Skopje
  • MMMAD Festival
  • MOMus-Experimental Center for the Arts
  • MOTOVILA, Centre for the Promotion of Cooperation in the CCSs
  • Museum of Architecture and Design (MAO)
  • Museu Zer0
  • Music Hungary
  • Music Managers Forum Netherlands
  • Musikcentrum Riks
  • MØNSTER
  • National Circus Festival of Ireland
  • Nedelcu&Hauser
  • NeMe
  • Neural ass. cult.
  • NGO Porichka Music Community
  • No Deadline
  • Noema
  • NonStop Entertainment
  • Noorderzon
  • Norske Dansekunstnere – The Union of Norwegian Dance artists
  • Norwegian Crafts
  • Norwegian Film Distributors Association
  • Norwegian Society of Authors
  • Nová síť
  • O Corvo e a Raposa
  • Oerol Festival
  • Openspace Innsbruck & theater diemonopol
  • Out of Sight vzw
  • Paavli Kultuurivabrik
  • Pandora Film Medien GmbH
  • Pekinpah
  • Performing Arts Forum
  • PLAION PICTURES
  • Polish Actors Association ZASP
  • Polyfilm
  • Posthof LInz
  • PO UA Contemporary dance platform
  • prfrm – produktion og formidling af scenekunst
  • Procurarte associação Cultural e Social
  • PROG Producers of Germany
  • Project Earth
  • Prokino Filmverleih GmbH
  • Q Space
  • Quo Artis Foundation
  • r0g_agency for open culture and critical transformation gGmbH
  • Radiona.org – Association for Development of ‘do-it-yourself’ Culture
  • Radio Študent
  • Rete Latitudini
  • River Cities
  • RIXC Center for New Media Culture
  • Romanian Writers` Union
  • Sala Apolo
  • Santeria Milano
  • SARBONAM
  • Saša Nemec – cultural worker
  • Sasha Waltz & Guests
  • SCCA, Center for Contemporary Arts – Ljubljana
  • SCHMIEDE HALLEIN
  • SCOPIE
  • Secret Hotel
  • Selmer Media AS
  • Senator Film Produktion GmbH
  • Sindikat kulture in narave Slovenije – Glosa
  • SIRENOS international festival Lithuania
  • Sisters Hope
  • Slovenian Association of Literary Translators (DSKP)
  • SLStudio
  • Smart Coop Sweden
  • SNAC
  • Sola Media
  • Soma Art Berlin
  • SPACE, explorers of the continuous present
  • SPASA
  • SPHERE
  • Spitzenorganisation der Filmwirtschaft (SPIO)
  • Spolek Skutek
  • STHLM DANS festival
  • Strade-SLC (Italian literary translators’ union)
  • STUDIOCANAL GmbH
  • Subnet salzburg
  • Subnet – Salzburger Plattform für Medienkunst und experimentelle Technologien
  • Syndicat Français des Artistes interprètes CGT
  • Syndicat Suisse Romand du Spectacle
  • tanuki films
  • Tanzbüro München
  • Teatercentrum
  • Teater Giljotin AB
  • Teater na konfini
  • Teatringestazione
  • Teatro da Didascália
  • Teatro dell’Argine
  • Teatro Necessario
  • Teatrul George Ciprian
  • The Danish Producers Association
  • The Film Producers Association of Latvija
  • The Icelandic Association for Translators and Interpreters (BTHOT)
  • the institute for advanced architecture of catalonia iaac
  • The NODE Institute
  • The Performance Corporation
  • The Swedish Film Distributors Association
  • Trempo
  • Trio Theatre
  • TrueMotion
  • Tutti Matti per Colorno
  • Two Moons, Center for Poetisation of the World
  • United Cowboys
  • Un-Label
  • UPBEAT
  • Urban Gorillas
  • VEGA
  • Verband der Agenturen (VdA)
  • Verband deutscher Filmexporteure VDFE e.V
  • Verband Technischer Betriebe für Film und Fernsehen e.V. (VTFF)
  • Vereinigung deutscher Opern- und Tanzensembles (VdO)
  • Verkadefabriek, Den Bosch
  • Via Negativa
  • VIDEOFORMES
  • Vlaamse Auteursvereniging
  • VSIA Rigas cirks
  • VSI Art for Rainy Days
  • VTFF – Verband Technischer Betriebe für Film & Fernsehen e.V.
  • Vzdělávací a kulturní centrum Broumov
  • Warehouse9
  • Wild Bunch Germany
  • WpZimmer
  • Writers Guild of Sweden
  • XTRAX
  • X Verleih AG
  • Youth Cultural Centre Maribor
  • Zavod Projekt Atol
  • Zavod Sploh
  • ZiMMT
 
 
 
 
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