EESC highlights culture as a cornerstone of European democracy and resilience

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a high-level debate demonstrating that culture is not a luxury, but a strategic asset for democracy, social cohesion and Europe’s economic resilience. Speakers call for stronger political recognition and sustained investment to turn ambition into action.

During its April plenary session, the EESC hosted the Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, who underlined the strategic ambition behind the Culture Compass and welcomed the EESC’s contribution.

The discussion brought together Nela Riehl, Member of the European Parliament and chair of the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT); Tanja Hristova, member of the Committee of the Regions (CoR), vice‑chair of the Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC) and rapporteur for the CoR opinion on the Culture Compass for Europe; and Lars Ebert, secretary‑general of Culture Action Europe.

EESC President Séamus Boland stressed that, even in times of geopolitical uncertainty, culture must not be sidelined. ‘In today’s geopolitical context, it may be tempting to see culture as a luxury. I believe the opposite is true. Culture carries values, protects freedom and helps sustain Europe as a united political project. We cannot imagine a resilient European democracy without culture at its heart,’ said Mr Boland. 

Commissioner Micallef underscored that the culture sector generates EUR 200 billion in profit and supports eight million jobs, but also stressed that the sector ‘holds Europe together in ways that numbers cannot fully capture.’

In his address, Mr Micallef highlighted the structural vulnerabilities faced by cultural and creative workers, many of whom operate outside fully protective labour frameworks. Unlike workers in more formalised sectors, artists, performers and other cultural professionals are often engaged through short-term contracts, freelance arrangements or project-based work, leaving them without stable income, social security coverage or access to benefits. The Commission’s Culture Compass initiative sets key directions concerning artistic freedom, working conditions and access to culture. 

‘When culture wins, workers win, and when workers win, Europe wins,’ stressed Mr Micallef.

Speakers agreed on the principle that culture is not to be seen as a secondary sector, but as a strategic part of Europe’s future. Culture is a powerful tool for shaping international influence and identity and should therefore not be treated as peripheral, but instead be embedded at the heart of the EU’s main policy frameworks and decision-making processes.

EESC member Luca Jahier,rapporteur for the EESC opinion A Culture Compass for Europe,which was adopted following the debate, said: ‘The Culture Compass sends a strong political message: culture is not at the margins of the European project, but at its heart. Culture is a vector to defend and strengthen democracy, counter populist and authoritarian narratives, and enhance preparedness, sustainable development, social cohesion and a stronger sense of belonging.’

Turning ambition into action

A central focus of the exchange was on how to translate the Culture Compass from a strategic framework into concrete action. The EESC opinion calls for strong and cross-cutting financial support for culture in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034), underlining the importance of reflecting cultural objectives across related policy areas, such as competitiveness, skills, research, cohesion and external action.

Through this debate and the adoption of its opinion on the Culture Compass, the EESC reaffirmed its readiness to act as a key partner in implementing the Compass. ‘The EESC recommends full involvement of local authorities and the variety of stakeholders (including civil society organisations) from the cultural world, which constitutes a strategic ecosystem. Finally, we support a strong international pillar, to be implemented via a comprehensive and fully-fledged action plan, as well as a broader institutional endorsement of the Joint Declaration on “Europe for culture – culture for Europe”’, Mr Jahier concluded.

Additional quotes

Renato Mattioni, a member of the EESC Employers’ Group, said: ‘Culture is one of Europe’s defining strengths. It shapes our identity, supports quality jobs and creates opportunities for entrepreneurship across regions. By investing in cultural and creative activities, Europe also strengthens its local economies, tourism and social cohesion. A Europe that values culture is a Europe that invests in people, talent and sustainable growth.’

Giulia Barbucci, a member of the EESC Workers’ Group, said: ‘Culture is a cornerstone of European democracy, fostering freedom and inclusivity. It puts people at the heart of society, promoting a sense of European citizenship that helps combat discrimination.’