86% value cultural heritage as crucial not only for current life but also as a link to Europe’s historical legacy. Respondents also acknowledge culture's contribution to welfare and economic development. The results also show that culture gives EU citizens a sense of community and integration. Additionally, citizens strongly support cultural exchange, artistic freedom and fair working conditions for artists. They also call for a stronger EU role to protect heritage and respond to the impact of new technologies.
Overall, the survey examined how Europeans perceive culture's role in society and the economy, addressing artistic freedom, generative AI’s impact, cultural participation, and policy priorities for Member States and EU Institutions. One chapter is specifically dedicated to cultural heritage.
Conducted between February and March 2025, the survey gathered insights from over 26,300 EU citizens. The results will help prepare the Culture Compass for Europe, the Commission's upcoming strategic framework for EU cultural policy, which is expected still in 2025. Considering that 87% of EU citizens value culture, NEMO urges that Creative Europe should remain a standalone programme in the EU's next budget cycle. Culture Action Europe has reported that the EU's only funding programme dedicated specifically to culture is under threat of being merged with other funds, risking diluted support for artists, heritage, and cross-border collaboration.
In a press release, the European Commission highlights some additional key outcomes of the Eurobarometer:
Artistic freedom is valued, but perceptions vary
Artistic freedom remains a pillar of democratic societies, and 88% of Europeans said that it matters to them. 77% believe that artists can freely express their ideas and opinions without fear of censorship or retaliation by their government. However, perceptions of artistic freedom vary across Member States.
Almost half of Europeans engage in artistic activities
49% of respondents indicated that they participated in artistic activities in the previous 12 months. This is a significant increase compared to 2013, when the figure stood at 37%.
Citizens express concern about the impact of AI and artists' pay
At the same time, 73% of surveyed Europeans are concerned that the rise of generative AI may have an impact on employment or earnings for artists. Less than half of Europeans (48%) said they could tell the difference between an AI piece of art and one crafted by a human. More broadly, fair pay remains an issue: just 51% say that they believe artists in their country generally receive fair and appropriate remuneration for their work.
Public backs stronger EU role in culture
Europeans also believe their country and the EU should work more closely together on cultural policy matters, with top priorities being:
- making the arts more accessible;
- protecting cultural heritage sites during wars, natural disasters or climate change;
- ensuring artists and cultural workers have fair pay and good working conditions.
