Europa Nostra contributes to first consultation “A New Culture Compass for Europe” hosted by Commissioner Glenn Micallef

The European Commission’s inaugural consultation on the Culture Compass for Europe took place on 20 March at the Berlaymont building in Brussels. This pivotal meeting was hosted by the European Commissioner Glenn Micallef and gathered together a distinguished group of EU stakeholders, including Nela Riehl, Chair of the European Parliament’s CULT Committee, and Marta Cienkowska, Undersecretary of State for Culture representing the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, as well as representatives from over 50 cultural organisations, including Europa Nostra. The meeting marked a significant milestone, underscoring the collective commitment to ensuring that culture remains central to Europe’s future.

 

The discussions centred around the vital role heritage and culture play in shaping Europe’s identity, fostering social cohesion, and addressing global challenges, such as climate change and social inclusion. The Culture Compass is envisioned as a comprehensive framework to guide the future of Europe’s cultural policies, harnessing culture’s transformative potential amidst an ever-evolving global landscape.

Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, remarked: “A robust cultural and creative sector is a hallmark of a healthy democracy. At a time of profound disruption, Europe needs a Culture Compass – a strategic tool to guide policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners alike. We cannot have cultural richness if creative and cultural workers live under financial strain. They are key to strengthening Europe’s social and economic fabric, and their working conditions must provide security. I look forward to listening to and engaging with all opinions on how to ensure that culture remains the lifeblood of European society.”

#Together. This was my message to Culture stakeholders at the kick-off of our consultation for the Culture Compass 🧭 this morning.

We need to do this together.

This is why I am also proud to join forces with @MartaCienkowska (Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU) and… pic.twitter.com/B99V8uhAqX

— Glenn Micallef (@GlennMicallef) March 20, 2025

In this context, Commissioner Micallef presented an ambitious framework for EU cultural policy, calling for collaboration across Member States and institutions. His proposed strategy to reinvigorate European cultural development focuses on three core objectives:

• Defining core cultural principles
• Unlocking creative potential
• Addressing contemporary challenges

 

Why Heritage Matters

Heritage lies at the heart of Europe’s identity, shaping our shared history, worldviews, and values. It is a powerful force that fosters freedom of expression, strengthens democracy, and nurtures a sense of belonging across diverse communities. The meeting emphasised that heritage and culture are not mere luxuries; they are essential drivers of Europe’s future. Heritage plays a crucial role in fostering social cohesion, supporting sustainable regional development, and enhancing Europe’s presence in global diplomacy.

The Culture Compass seeks to place culture at the core of all EU priorities, from security to climate action, ensuring that cultural values are interwoven into the very fabric of policymaking. This approach must be forward-thinking, rights-based, and actively promote diversity, democratic principles, and intercultural dialogue, reinforcing Europe’s commitment to a shared, inclusive, and resilient future.

Europa Nostra’s Messages

In her online address, Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, Secretary General of Europa Nostra and Project Leader of the European Heritage Hub, underscored the significance of a Cultural Compass for Europe’s future. She highlighted that, in these challenging times, Europe requires more than just a Security or Competitiveness Compass. It needs a Democracy Compass and a Cultural Compass – both of which must be central to all EU strategic priorities.

Our SG @SneskaEN 💬 “The #CultureCompass offers us a golden opportunity to demonstrate that #culture & #heritage are central to building a more peaceful, sustainable, inclusive, & beautiful #Europe” pic.twitter.com/YmjEZkwWRJ

— Europa Nostra (@europanostra) March 24, 2025

Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović also stressed that, for Europa Nostra and the members of the European Heritage Alliance, the Cultural Compass is a tool to transform the ongoing Cultural Deal for Europe campaign into a genuine European Deal for Culture with adequate funding. She highlighted that the Cultural Compass should be bold, acknowledging the value of culture and cultural heritage as powerful economic drivers, generating millions of jobs and addressing all EU strategic priorities.

“The Culture Compass offers us a golden opportunity to demonstrate that culture is central to building a more peaceful, sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful Europe. “At a time when external forces seek to divide Europe, let us use culture to unite us and assert our shared sense of identity,” she said.

Funding Culture

A key point of discussion was the need for greater financial support for the cultural sector. Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović called for at least 2% of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to be allocated to culture. Such funding is vital not only for the preservation of Europe’s cultural heritage but also for stimulating cultural innovation and ensuring sustainable growth in the cultural sector.

The meeting also highlighted the economic value of cultural heritage, which contributes to cultural tourism, creative entrepreneurship, and job creation – elements crucial to Europe’s economic and social well-being.

Artificial Intelligence and Culture

The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on culture was another major theme. While AI presents challenges regarding intellectual property, fair pay, and artistic freedom, it also offers opportunities for innovation and enhancing access to culture. The meeting emphasised the need for policies that protect artists’ rights while leveraging AI to stimulate cultural creativity and public engagement.

Cultural Diplomacy and Global Relations

Heritage and culture also play a pivotal role in EU external relations, fostering peace, promoting cultural diversity, and facilitating dialogue between cultures. The meeting stressed that the Culture Compass must strengthen cultural diplomacy, address historical issues, and support dialogue with non-EU countries and minority groups.

Europa Nostra’s Survey Results

Vanessa Fraga Prol, Advocacy and Partnerships Manager at Europa Nostra, shared key insights from a report based on a survey regarding the upcoming Culture Compass conducted by Europa Nostra among its members and partners. The survey, which garnered nearly 200 responses (45% from organisations and 55% from individuals), found that 84.2% of respondents recognised heritage’s importance in creating a shared European identity. The results also highlighted heritage’s role in promoting intercultural dialogue, inclusivity, and reconciliation – particularly in post-conflict societies.

 

She pointed out that the Culture Compass should emphasise linking culture with other EU priorities, particularly through cross-sector collaborations. The survey stressed the need for aligning cultural heritage preservation with the EU’s triple transformation – green, digital, and social– notably the European Green Deal, which supports sustainable practices in restoration and tourism. Furthermore, it underscores the vital connection between heritage and the EU’s key priorities, including security, democracy, and competitiveness, reinforcing the role of culture in advancing these overarching goals.

The survey also underscored the importance of incorporating heritage education into school curricula and providing more support for local communities in preserving their cultural heritage. Education was identified as a crucial tool for bridging social gaps and ensuring greater access to culture, especially for young people.

Next Steps for the Culture Compass

The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to continue consultations on the Culture Compass. EU institutions agreed to maintain close collaboration with cultural stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to ensure that culture remains integral to Europe’s future. The European Commission will soon release its own survey to further inform the development of the Culture Compass.

 

As the Culture Compass takes shape, it is essential that all stakeholders – from cultural institutions to EU policymakers, from artists to citizens – continue to engage in the conversation. The Culture Compass presents a unique opportunity to place culture at the heart of Europe’s future, ensuring it remains a driver for peace, prosperity, and inclusion.

Now is the time for the cultural and heritage sectors to unite and advocate for a robust and visionary cultural policy that recognises culture’s profound value in shaping Europe’s identity and addressing today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Together, we must secure necessary funding, ensure cultural diversity, and protect artistic freedom.

Let us seize this moment to shape the future of Europe through the Culture Compass – a guide towards a more cohesive, sustainable, and inclusive Europe for all.

The time to act is now. Let’s make heritage and culture the cornerstone of Europe’s future.