Cultural Policies of the European Union

The cultural policies of the European Union (EU) are designed to foster a shared European identity while respecting the diverse cultural expressions of its 27 member states. These policies aim to support and enhance the cultural dimension of European integration through legislation and government initiatives. The EU recognizes culture as a vital element of social cohesion and economic growth and thus supports activities across various cultural sectors.

Key Institutions and Policy Framework

Decisions regarding cultural policies are primarily made through key EU institutions, which include:

The European Commission, responsible for culture, sport, and languages.
The Committee on Culture and Education of the European Parliament.
The Education, Youth, and Culture sector of the Council of the European Union.

The EU's cultural policy framework supports activities in cinema, audiovisual arts, publishing, music, and crafts. These policies encourage private companies, non-governmental organizations, and individual initiatives to engage in cultural development.

European Cultural Convention

While the Council of Europe is distinct from the EU, it was pivotal in formalizing cultural cooperation policy in Europe through the European Cultural Convention. This convention laid the groundwork for collaborative cultural efforts across Europe. The Council of Europe and the EU work together to ensure that cultural heritage and diversity are protected and promoted.

European Capital of Culture

One of the most notable EU initiatives is the European Capital of Culture program. Each year, a city is designated as the European Capital of Culture, where it organizes a series of cultural events to promote its cultural life and improve its international profile. This initiative aims to bring Europeans closer together by highlighting the richness and diversity of cultures within the EU.

Cultural Routes and Libraries

The EU also supports initiatives like the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, which promote travel and tourism through historically themed routes that cover multiple countries. Additionally, the European Library initiative aims to facilitate access to the national libraries of Europe, thus opening up a vast universe of knowledge and information.

Educational and Sports Policies

Cultural policies intersect with educational policies and sport policies, as the EU recognizes the role of education and sport in promoting cultural awareness and participation. While education remains the responsibility of individual member states, the EU provides support for collaborative projects and exchanges.