The programme aims to promote shared European values such as democracy, equality and the rule of law, as well as to strengthen cultural diversity and the cultural and creative sectors, including the audiovisual industry and the media. At the same time, it provides for support for artistic and journalistic freedom and for greater civic participation. It should be noted that the Council’s position is partial, as it does not include financial and horizontal issues, which will be addressed in the context of negotiations on the MFF.
In a statement, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou, said that today’s agreement represents an important step towards strengthening Europe’s cultural and democratic fabric. She added that through AgoraEU, the cultural and creative sectors are being equipped with the necessary tools to develop, while safeguarding the Union’s values, from artistic freedom to active civic engagement.
AgoraEU builds on existing EU programmes such as Creative Europe and the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, and is structured around three main pillars: ‘Creative Europe – Culture’, ‘MEDIA+’, and ‘CERV+’.
According to the Council’s position, the ‘Creative Europe – Culture’ strand will enhance cross-border cultural cooperation, while ‘MEDIA+’ will support the audiovisual industry, video games, and independent journalism. ‘CERV+’ will focus on promoting fundamental rights, equality and democratic participation, as well as protecting the rule of law.
The Council’s position on the AgoraEU Regulation maintains the ambitious nature of the Commission’s proposal, while providing additional clarification on key elements of the legislative text, strengthening the role of Member States, and taking into account national specificities, particularly in the audiovisual sector.