Europa Nostra expresses deep concern over the proposed cuts to the AgoraEU programme
Europa Nostra stands in solidarity with the European cultural and civil society community and expresses its deep concern over the proposed cuts to the AgoraEU programme in the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU’s negotiating box for the EU’s 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), published on 10 October 2026.
The proposal would reduce the AgoraEU programme’s budget from the European Commission’s proposed €8.6 billion to €6 billion in current prices — a decrease of around 30%. With the next European Council Summit starting tomorrow, EU leaders have an opportunity to reconsider this proposal and maintain the level of ambition needed to support Europe’s cultural and democratic life.
Image: Courtesy of Culture Action Europe
Cultural heritage is a strategic resource for Europe. It strengthens democracy, fosters social cohesion, connects communities and generations, and contributes to a more sustainable and resilient future. Recognising its value must go hand in hand with adequate investment and a stronger place for culture and heritage in European policies.
This ambition is reflected in the Joint Declaration “Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe”, signed by the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Commission. It sets out a shared political commitment to place culture and cultural heritage at the heart of EU policy.
The next EU budget must translate this commitment into action. An adequately funded AgoraEU is essential to ensure that culture and cultural heritage can contribute fully to Europe’s democratic, social and sustainable future.
Europa Nostra stands alongside its members, partners and the wider cultural and civil society community in calling for an ambitious AgoraEU programme backed by sufficient resources.
Find out more about the proposed cuts to AgoraEU via the Culture Action Europe’s website.
Add your voice to the call for an adequately funded AgoraEU by signing the joint letter.
