Have your say: Help shape the future of EU Cultural Policy, Funding, and Democracy
The European Commission is currently holding three key public consultations that will directly influence future EU action in heritage and culture, funding, and democracy.
Europa Nostra strongly encourages all members and partners to take part in and share widely these public consultations. Your voice truly matters!
1. Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) – The EU’s long-term budget
Deadline: 6 May 2025 (midnight Brussels time)
The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) sets the EU’s spending priorities for seven years. Culture currently receives just 0.2% through the Creative Europe programme — and upcoming reforms risk further reducing visibility and investment in our sector.
Europa Nostra advocates for:
- At least 2% of the MFF allocated to culture;
- A standalone Creative Europe programme with its own distinct budget line;
- Heritage (tangible and intangible) recognised as vital to:
- European identity, values, and quality of life;
- Innovation, sustainability, and resilience;
- Defence and democratic security; and
- Europe’s global role and way of life
- Stronger support for heritage professionals and organisations;
- A strengthened role for heritage in EU external relations; and
- Exploration of a dedicated EU Heritage Fund
Survey duration: 10 minutes
Format: Structured multiple-choice questionnaire
Culture powers Europe—and it needs solid fuel to keep going.
The EU is shaping the post-2027 budget (MFF), and this is your chance to speak up.
🗣️ This is not the Culture Compass call—it’s the public consultation on the MFF.
— Creative Europe (@europe_creative) April 17, 2025
2. Culture Compass – Strategic Framework for EU Cultural Policy
Deadline: 13 May 2025 (midnight Brussels time)
The Culture Compass will serve as a strategic framework for future EU cultural policy.
It aims to:
- Increase visibility of EU action in support of culture and heritage;
- Improve working conditions for artists and cultural professionals; and
- Strengthen the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors to Europe’s society and economy.
Europa Nostra advocates for the key priorities outlined in the Europa Nostra Survey Report on the Culture Compass, which was published in March 2025.
This report was presented for the first time at the European Commission’s inaugural consultation on the Culture Compass for Europe held on 20 March 2025 in Brussels. This pivotal meeting was hosted by the European Commissioner Glenn Micallef and gathered together a distinguished group of EU stakeholders as well as representatives from over 50 cultural organisations, including Europa Nostra.
Survey duration: 10 minutes
Format: Structured multiple-choice questionnaire
Respond to Culture Compass Consultation
🎨 Artists, creatives, cultural orgs & policymakers — the #EUCultureCompass is in the making!
It will guide EU action to empower culture, support fair working conditions & protect diversity.#HaveYourSay — the call for evidence is now open!
— Creative Europe (@europe_creative) April 20, 2025
3. Democracy Shield – Strengthening Democratic Resilience
Deadline: 26 May 2025 (midnight Brussels time)
This initiative aims to address the most serious threats to democracy in the EU, and build upon the European Democracy Action Plan and Defence of Democracy Package.
Survey format: Open-ended (max 4,000 characters)
Option to upload a supporting document
Respond to Democracy Shield Consultation
Who can participate in these consultations?
Everyone is welcome to contribute, including:
- Cultural and heritage organisations;
- Local and national public authorities;
- Civil society actors, artists, researchers, students, and citizens; and
- Non-EU stakeholders are also encouraged to participate.
Collective responses from networks and representative bodies carry particular weight.
Europa Nostra strongly encourages its members and partners to make their voices heard.
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Before you begin – EU Login required
To participate in any of the consultations, you’ll need to register for an EU Login Account.
If you don’t already have one, you’ll be prompted to create one when clicking on a consultation link.
Create an EU Login Account
– You may need to set up two-factor verification and download the EU Login Mobile App – this is normal procedure.
– For detailed instructions, follow this official guide:
How to create your EU Login Account
