The signatories argue that the cuts come at a particularly important moment. As 2027 marks the final year of the current Creative Europe programme, cultural organisations stress that the budget should support existing commitments to cultural cooperation, mobility, networks and cross-border projects rather than reduce them.
- Access and read Restore Creative Europe funding in the 2027 EU budget
NEMO and all signatories also highlight that the proposed reductions are inconsistent with recent EU policy commitments. In June 2026, the European Commission, European Parliament and Council jointly signed the declaration "Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe", committing to supporting artistic freedom, the independence of cultural institutions and the sustainability of the cultural and creative sectors.
Now budget cuts of €31.6 million for the next year are on the table. The proposed reductions would affect all three programme strands of Creative Europe: Culture (€7.8 million), MEDIA (€23.2 million) and the Cross-sectoral strand (€0.6 million).
It's also the fourth time during the current seven-year budget cycle that cuts to Creative Europe have been proposed.
The coming weeks present a good opportunity to reverse the cuts since the EU institutions have until 16 November to reach an agreement. Since the proposed cuts are still open to negotiation and the signatories hope that the needs of the cultural sector are heard and respected, this letter has been shared with the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU and Members of the European Parliament. We also encourage you to share the message further.
A vital programme for European cooperation
For museums, museum organisations and cultural organisations across Europe, Creative Europe provides essential support for international cooperation, professional exchange, innovation and audience engagement projects. The programme has enabled cultural organisations across Europe to collaborate across borders, share knowledge and develop new approaches to common challenges.
The signatories argue that protecting Creative Europe funding is particularly important at a time when Europe faces increasing societal, political and technological challenges, and when cultural cooperation plays a key role in supporting democratic values, cultural diversity and independent cultural expression.
Looking beyond 2027
No only the the 2027 budget is under debate, so is AgoraEU, the proposed successor programme to Creative Europe from 2028 onwards. According to the letter, maintaining strong support for Creative Europe in its final year will help build momentum for a well-funded future programme capable of continuing support for European cultural cooperation.
The open letter calls on EU Member States to restore the European Commission's proposed Creative Europe budget of €417.35 million for 2027 and supports the European Parliament's proposal to increase funding further.
As a signatory, NEMO joins cultural organisations across Europe in emphasising the importance of sustained investment in culture, international cooperation and the long-term resilience of the cultural and creative sectors.
