E-Art digital exhibition
November 13, 2025
A week at Europe Direct Lyon Métropole!
November 30, 2025
On November 12, 2025, the European Commission launched the ‘Cultural Compass for Europe‘, a new strategy highlighting the importance of culture for democracy, social development and international cooperation. The plan aims to strengthen the role of culture in the EU’s overall policies and to empower the cultural sector.
Four focus areas:
The strategy is based on four main pillars:
- European values and cultural rights – protecting artistic freedom, diversity and the democratic role of culture
- Improving conditions for cultural workers – focusing on more secure working conditions, mobility and fair remuneration.
- Culture as a driver of sustainable development – using culture and heritage for cohesion, innovation and resilience.
- Strengthened international partnerships – where culture acts as a bridge between Europe and the outside world.
Concrete initiatives
The Cultural Compass presents 20 major actions (“flagship actions”), including
- an annual report on the state of culture in the EU,
- a structured consultation between the EU and the cultural sector,
- a European data center for cultural statistics,
- a new European Charter for artists’ working conditions,
- as well as new initiatives for young people, performing arts and the digital transformation of culture.
Why the strategy is coming now
The EU points to widening social gaps, polarization and technological change as reasons to strengthen the cultural sector. Culture is highlighted as a key force for democracy, social cohesion and a more resilient Europe.
What it means for Sweden
Swedish cultural practitioners and institutions can benefit from more opportunities for cooperation, better structures for mobility and a clearer recognition of the role of culture in EU policies. The strategy builds on existing programs such as Creative Europe while broadening cultural policy ambitions.
Culture Action Europe’s role and further discussion
Culture Action Europe closely monitors developments and analyzes the potential impact of the flagship measures on the cultural sector in practice. As Europe’s largest cultural policy advocacy network, they provide insights, critiques and recommendations to help cultural stakeholders understand what the new strategy means. Intercult is member of Culture Action Europe. Follow the analysis of the Cultural Compass through CAE channels.
Find out more about the Cultural Compass on the Commission’s website.
