The study states that the EU’s cultural policy framework plays a supportive role in fostering cooperation among Member States and boosting the cultural and creative sectors (CCS), including audiovisual and media. Key EU initiatives such as the New European Agenda for Culture and the European Media Action Plan aim to promote cultural diversity, protect media pluralism, and support the European audiovisual industry.
From 2019 to 2024, the CCS faced significant challenges due to the Covid-19 crisis, the war in Ukraine, and structural issues like precarious working conditions and digital regulation. The EU responded with policies focused on sustainability, inclusiveness, and media freedom.
Despite the progress, the current EU policy framework does not fully integrate the CCS into broader transformation agendas. Moving forward, the 2024-2029 policy focus should enhance cross-sectoral cooperation, provide fair working conditions, create safe spaces for cultural interaction, and foster cooperative governance to unlock the full potential of the CCS in building a sustainable and inclusive Europe.
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