Cultural Deal for Europe
What
Partnership initiative advocating for a central place for culture, heritage and civil society at the heart of EU policies and funding.
Where
At EU level and in national contexts, working with institutions, partners and decision-makers shaping Europe’s priorities.
When
Ongoing, influencing current and future EU policies, budgets and priorities.
Who is it for?
Policymakers, cultural professionals, civil society organisations, researchers, foundations and citizens from across wider Europe.
The Cultural Deal for Europe is a shared call to place culture and cultural heritage at the centre of Europe’s political future. It argues that culture is not an afterthought but a force that shapes how people live together, participate in democracy, and imagine what Europe can become. The campaign brings together civil society networks, artists, cultural workers and institutions to make this case with one voice.
At its core, the Cultural Deal urges the EU to treat culture as a strategic priority across all policy areas and to dedicate at least 2 per cent of the long-term EU budget to culture and heritage. It also calls for fair working conditions, stronger protection of artistic freedom, greener cultural practices and recognition of culture’s role in Europe’s social and democratic resilience.
The Cultural Deal’s message is simple. Culture helps people feel part of something bigger. It strengthens trust, participation and solidarity. It creates spaces where diverse perspectives are heard and where imagination can drive solutions. As Europe faces questions of democracy, security and sustainability, the Cultural Deal argues that culture is essential to meeting them with confidence rather than fear.
Many of these ideas are now visible in the European Commission’s Culture Compass, which reflects years of collective advocacy for a more coherent, ambitious cultural strategy for Europe. Yet the full ambition of the Cultural Deal remains ahead — from securing 2 per cent for culture to ensuring artistic freedom is protected across the Union.
Culture Action Europe, Europa Nostra and the European Cultural Foundation lead the Cultural Deal. Together, they invite policymakers, cultural organisations and citizens to join the effort to place culture where it belongs in Europe’s future.