The letter comes amid growing challenges for the European Union and follows the recent announcement of the EU’s first-ever Security College. Drawing on examples from countries like Finland and Ukraine, where culture is already part of national security strategies, the letter argues that culture must be recognised as a vital element of European resilience.
Culture strengthens democracy and social cohesion, helps counter disinformation and hybrid threats, and supports mental health and community mobilisation during crises. Culture Action Europe calls for cultural policy to be included in the European Democracy Shield, the Preparedness Union Strategy, the White Paper on Defence, and the ReArm Europe plan. It also advocates for artistic freedom to be recognised in the EU Rule of Law report.
Culture Action Europe urges the EU to invest €30 billion in European cultural content through the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), update its international cultural strategy, and allocate 2% of Russia’s frozen assets to Ukraine’s cultural recovery.
- Read the letter
