Belgium (Brussels Morning) Europe, wake up. Culture and cultural heritage aren’t just fancy extras—they’re the very bedrock of a truly value-based European Union.
They fuel our creativity, drive societal innovation, and are the glue holding together our democracy, peace, and security. These elements aren’t side dishes; they’re the main course. Yet, when it comes to the EU’s strategic agenda, culture is treated as an afterthought, a mere pawn in the power plays of Brussels.
To fight inequality, divisive populism, climate catastrophe, and the chaos of unregulated tech, we need to elevate culture from its current status as a bargaining chip to a central pillar of our political and public discourse. But what do we see? Institutional horse-trading: “Back me with your vote, and I’ll toss you the chair of the CULT Committee.”
Instead, imagine if we treated culture strategically, as the catalyst for change that it is. Imagine if the European institutions, including the European Parliament, made it their top priority. It starts with appointing a chair of the Committee on Culture and Education who is not just credible but visionary.
And yet, here we are. The major pro-European political families had so far not claimed the chair of the CULT Committee, leaving it to the fringes. It’s a vacuum waiting to be filled, and filled it has been—by those least equipped to handle it. Now, amidst talks of a cordon sanitaire, the chairman/womanship is a bargaining chip.
Sure, whereas we might be much relieved with the result, we should ask ourselves the question why on earth wasn’t culture a priority from the get-go?
Let’s remember: the Culture Committee has been a champion for the cultural and creative sectors, pushing forward initiatives like the Creative Europe programme and better working conditions for artists. They’ve spearheaded Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, and the European Media Freedom Act. These are not minor achievements—they’re the building blocks of an open, inclusive, and fair European public space.
Now, more than ever, the Culture Committee must build on these successes. It must fight for cultural policies grounded in values of inclusion, solidarity, pluralism, liberalism, transnationalism, diversity, and intercultural dialogue. In these tumultuous times, the Committee, through its Chair, Vice Chairs, and Rapporteurs, must embody these values and champion a vibrant, resilient cultural sector in Europe.
Culture should top Europe’s policy agenda—not just in grandiose speeches and glossy PR, but as a key priority with the budgets to match. We need a Cultural Deal for Europe. A deal that fosters a thriving cultural ecosystem, drives innovation, enhances well-being, and fortifies our democratic fabric. A deal that supports our artists and creators, our culture and cultural heritage professionals, ensuring they have fair working conditions and their rights protected in the digital age.
Achieving this Cultural Deal for Europe requires strong leadership, bold action, unwavering commitment, and a serious boost in funding. We need champions within European institutions who will make culture the linchpin of open societies and democracy.
These champions must include the President of the European Commission, supported by a dedicated and empowered European Commissioner. The President of the European Parliament must also champion culture, as should the future Chair of the Culture Committee.
We call on the European Parliament—especially the Conference of Presidents and future CULT Committee members—to ensure the Chair appointment is made with care. The Chair must be a robust democratic voice for culture at the European level, upholding values of pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, and solidarity.
Stop treating culture as a bargaining chip. Give it the leadership and prominence it deserves. The Cultural Deal for Europe is not merely an aspiration—it is an achievable goal. Let’s make it happen.
