On Thursday, 18 June 2026, the Presidents of the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and the European Parliament are scheduled to sign the Joint Declaration on Culture, titled Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe. The upcoming signing marks the first time these three bodies have united to formally adopt a shared political commitment that recognizes culture as a central pillar of European democracy, identity, and resilience.
The Culture Compass for Europe
The joint declaration serves as the first flagship milestone of the Culture Compass for Europe, a broader strategic framework launched by the European Commission in late 2025 to guide long-term cultural policy.
The document establishes a set of guiding principles aimed at embedding culture across various EU strategies. It formally acknowledges the intrinsic value of cultural heritage while addressing the practical realities of the sector. Key commitments outlined in the declaration include the protection of artistic freedom, the promotion of cultural rights, and the necessity of ensuring fair working conditions and adequate social protection for cultural professionals.
Parallel Policy Developments and Sector Responses
As the institutions prepare to endorse this declaration, representatives from the cultural and creative industries (CCI) are simultaneously drawing attention to parallel legislative developments that affect the sector’s financial future.
Industry stakeholders have recently launched a sector-wide manifesto addressing the proposed European Competitiveness Fund, which will direct innovation and investment funding from 2028 to 2034. Advocates have pointed out that the current draft of the fund does not designate the cultural and creative industries as a strategic sector. Stakeholders note that this exclusion could limit the sector’s future access to essential scale-up and infrastructure funding, leaving both traditional and digital craft transitions without dedicated financial support.
Following the Proceedings
The formal parliamentary debates regarding the joint declaration will take place on Thursday in Strasbourg, followed by the official signing ceremony. You can follow the live broadcasts HERE>> and subsequent updates via the official EU press corner HERE>>