Eurobarometer: “Culture is Not a Luxury – it is Central to European Unity”

The European Commission’s newly released Special Eurobarometer on Europeans’ Attitudes Towards Culture  confirms what many, including us, have long stressed: we need culture to bring Europeans together.

According to the voice of European citizens culture is the number one factor fostering a sense of community among EU citizens. The Eurobarometer shows Europeans rank culture above all other key factors – including shared values, history, economy, sport, rule of law, geography, healthcare, education, science and technology, religion, language, environmental concern, and solidarity with poorer regions.

As one of the initiators of the Cultural Deal for Europe campaign – asking for at least 2% of the budgets in the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 to be committed to culture and cultural heritage – we feel strengthened in our efforts.

With the Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport working on the Culture Compass – a strategic framework for EU cultural policy – aiming to improve the consistency of EU policies and strengthen coordination between funding and policy, this Eurobarometer shows the need for culture and cultural heritage to be established as a priority at the highest level of the EU institutions.