The European Commission shares that in times of uncertainty and rapid change, culture is a vital force for democracy, social cohesion, competitiveness, and resilience. Recent findings from the Eurobarometer on Culture confirm this, with 87% of respondents stating that culture and cultural heritage should have a very important place in the European Union.
The Culture Compass sets out a clear vision to harness the power of art, culture, and creativity for a stronger, more united Europe. It addresses key challenges facing the cultural and creative sectors, such as restrictions on artistic expression, precarious livelihoods for artists, unequal access to cultural participation, and the transformative impact of AI.
The framework will guide EU cultural policy in four strategic directions:
- Upholding European values and cultural rights
- Empowering artists and cultural professionals
- Leveraging culture and heritage for competitiveness and cohesion
- Championing international cultural relations and partnerships
To support these ambitions, the Commission will propose a Joint Declaration with the European Parliament and Council, reinforcing political commitment to culture. A new State of Culture in the EU report will monitor progress, with a strong focus on artistic freedom. Several flagship initiatives will follow, including an EU Artists Charter for fair working conditions, a European Prize for Performing Arts, a Youth Cultural Ambassadors Network, and an EU cultural data hub, alongside an AI strategy for cultural and creative sectors.
On the Culture Compass, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, who was part of opening the recent NEMO European Museum Conference, stated that: “Europe is a global cultural powerhouse – a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, art, architecture, and music. With over 500 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Europe has more heritage sites than any other region in the world. Today, I am incredibly proud to present the Culture Compass for Europe. The Culture Compass points to what keeps Europe human, harnessing the power of art, culture and creativity, celebrating our differences. The Compass’ strategic vision – ‘Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe’ – sets into motion 20 flagship actions driven by four key directions. It connects culture to Europe’s future – where culture creates and inspires without borders, where culture works for its artists, and empowers its sectors, and connects us to the world.”
NEMO’s role in shaping the Compass
NEMO contributed actively to the development of the Culture Compass through consultation processes. For instance, on 20 March 2025, NEMO joined 50 cultural organisations to provide input, representing our network of around 30,000 museums. We advocated for a preamble recognising the freedom and independence of cultural organisations, such as museums, which are essential spaces for critical reflection and artistic expression.
Museums play a vital role in society: they provide learning opportunities, drive urban regeneration and cultural tourism, and contribute to the creative economy. They also act as trusted institutions in times of increasing polarisation, offering impartial information and fostering dialogue, mental health, and reconciliation. By safeguarding their independence and acknowledging their contributions, museums can continue to serve as beacons of knowledge and democracy, shaping a more informed and resilient future.
Additionally, on 25 March 2025, NEMO met with Commissioner Glenn Micallef to discuss the evolving role of museums and their contribution to Europe’s cultural and societal challenges.
