Advocacy and Philanthropy for Europe

Cultural cooperation requires sustained resources and long-term commitment. The European Cultural Foundation has worked to strengthen the structures that make this possible through philanthropy and advocacy, particularly under the leadership of Raymond Georis, Secretary General from 1973 to 1994.

The creation of the European Cooperation Fund in Brussels supported collaboration between public and private actors and contributed to a broader understanding of shared European challenges. On 9 November 1989, the Foundation became one of the founding members of the European Foundation Centre, now Philea, marking a significant step in connecting philanthropic organisations across Europe.

In the 2000s, under Gottfried Wagner, Secretary General of the European Cultural Foundation from 2002 to 2009, the Foundation expanded its advocacy work through initiatives such as 70 Cents for Culture and More Europe, contributing to policy discussions at the European level. Today, this work continues under André Wilkens, Director of the European Cultural Foundation since 2019, who has stated, “We cannot leave the future of Europe solely in the hands of the EU and the increasingly polarised and competing nation states.”

This work connects directly to how individuals and organisations can act. Funding, policy recognition and institutional support determine whether cultural initiatives can exist, grow and reach people. By strengthening these conditions, the Foundation contributes to an environment in which cultural work can continue to support participation, connection, and shared European life.

Image: “Beyond markets: culture and creative industries in the EU’s external relations”, debate in Amsterdam, 19 September 2012
HomepageThumbnail: Launch of the campaign 70 Cents for Europe at the European Parliament in Brussels, 15 March 2005