A joint declaration entitled ‘Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe’ was signed in Brussels on Thursday, with the EU’s three main institutions committing to strengthen the role of culture in the formulation and implementation of European policies.
According to a press release issued by the Council of the European Union, the declaration was signed on the sidelines of the European Council meeting by President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, on behalf of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.
As stated in the declaration, the three institutions reaffirm the European Union’s role in protecting cultural and linguistic diversity and commit to integrating the cultural dimension across all EU policies, while fully respecting the competences of Member States.
In remarks quoted in the statement, President Christodoulides said that the joint declaration recognises the crucial role of culture in shaping European identity and underlines that investing in artists, cultural heritage and creativity is also an investment in democracy, freedom and the values that unite Europe.
Twelve key principles
According to the statement, the commitments set out in the joint declaration are organised around twelve key principles. These include the protection of artistic freedom of expression, the promotion of fair remuneration and decent working conditions, as well as a human-centred and rights-based approach to the use of artificial intelligence.
Particular emphasis is also placed on broadening access to culture, especially for young people, vulnerable groups and individuals at risk of exclusion, through strengthened arts education and support for emerging creators.
The joint declaration further includes commitments to harness culture as a tool for promoting health and wellbeing, supporting regional development and sustainable tourism, and highlighting its role in addressing environmental challenges through public policy.