Our advocacy work

NEMO liaises with the European institutions to advocate on behalf of the museum sector. We liaise with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Council, representatives of countries holding the EU presidency, as well as other stakeholder in the European culture sector.

What we do

With our members and allies, NEMO maintains a constant dialogue with relevant stakeholders about questions that are relevant to the museums in Europe. Through this dialogue, we believe we can:

  • influence policies and developments
  • voice the museum sector’s needs and framework conditions within policy making
  • advocate on behalf of the museums’ values, work and potential.

NEMO promotes museums

The core mission of NEMO’s advocacy work is to strengthen the role of museums in the following areas: collection, education, social and economic issues. We believe that the themes of digitalisation and professionalisation of the sector are imperative to help maximise the full potential of Europe’s museums. With this in mind:

  • We advocate for the manifold values of collections and provide a platform for museums to exchange best practice.
  • We highlight the social value and support the potential of museums for society by promoting their contribution to different agendas.
  • We support the recognition of museums as rich learning environments and places of public engagement and provide a platform for the exchange of best practice.
  • We want to ensure that museums are recognised and supported as key assets for urban and regional development, for a flourishing tourism industry and as drivers for the economy and the creative industries.
  • We advocate for museums and heritage to become an integral part of the Digital Agenda of the EU.
  • We advocate for support through targeted capacity-building programmes for museum professionals.

Our current focus topics

A security officer, wearing a face mask, sits next to ancient stone busts inside a museum space © Majority World CIC / Alamy Stock Foto

Pressure and independence

A recent NEMO Barometer shows that museums across Europe experience political interference and pressure. In response, we are taking steps to safeguard museum independence - visit our dedicated webpage for an extensive resource section and learn about NEMO’s key actions such as statement, conference on polarisation, and updated Policy Statement.

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Inclusion, diversity, and wellbeing

From wellbeing to inclusion, how do museums support their audiences and staff? NEMO empowers museums with tools, good practices, and advocacy actions to foster diversity, equity and safer spaces for all. In 2024 we published LGBTQIA+ guidelines; in 2025 we host a conference on wellbeing and resilience.

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This picture shows a protest with many people marching together. All of them are wearing face masks. In the foreground a person holds up a poster stating "Museums for Future".

Sustainability

NEMO encourages museums to support a sustainable future, take action for the climate, contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030, and be museums for future. By participating in the SHIFT programme, we deepen our unwavering commitment to sustainability and climate action.

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NEMO Political Internships

Since 2018, the NEMO Political Internship initiative has strengthened ties between the museum sector and EU policymakers, demonstrating how museums contribute to democracy, education, innovation and social cohesion. Five EU politician have completed a NEMO Political Internship. 

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