Democratic life is practised in everyday places where people meet, work together and take part in public life. When polarisation grows, resources shrink, or independent voices come under pressure, these spaces become fragile, yet more important than ever.

Culture of Solidarity supports civil society and cultural actors who keep shared spaces open, connect communities and sustain public life in challenging conditions. What is learned through this work also feeds into the European Cultural Foundation’s public policy and advocacy efforts.

Digital spaces are where Europeans increasingly meet and engage with one another. They influence how opinions form, how power is questioned and how belonging is experienced. When these spaces are driven by commercial or political pressure, trust fractures and voices disappear.

European Digital Citizenship works to keep Europe’s digital public space open, fair and accountable.  It also contributes to a digital public sphere in which democratic participation can grow and cooperation across Europe remains possible.

Libraries can be seen as an original European social network – they are curated, public, safe spaces where people of all kinds of national and cultural backgrounds and ages meet.

By connecting libraries across Europe, we are supporting the idea of a large European social network rooted in solidarity, shared spaces and everyday encounters. This network brings millions of people together across borders, languages, and backgrounds, and informs our advocacy for structurally funded European library programs and exchanges.

Across Europe, cultural and civic organisations are building participation, dialogue and social cohesion. Yet only a small share of philanthropic funding is directed beyond national borders.

Philanthropy for Europe shifts from isolated funding to shared responsibility. We convene foundations, public actors and partners to exchange knowledge, align priorities and develop joint approaches to supporting cultural and civic initiatives.