New EU Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026 approved

On 29 November 2022, the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026 was adopted by the Council of Culture Ministers of the European Union. The document will shape EU cooperation on culture for the next 4 years.

The work plan has been prepared by the Czech Presidency and the Member States, with support from the European Commission. It outlines priorities to address the main challenges facing the cultural and creative sectors today and actions to address them. The Member States, the Commission and the Presidencies of the Council will cooperate closely to implement the Work Plan.

The resolution on the EU Work Plan focuses on 4 different but complementary priorities:

  • Artists and cultural professionals: empowering the cultural and creative sectors
  • Culture for the people: enhancing cultural participation and the role of culture in society
  • Culture for the planet: unleashing the power of culture
  • Culture for co-creative partnerships: strengthening the cultural dimension of the EU external relations

It also sets out 21 actions covering specific issues such as:

  • The working conditions of artists
  • The role of culture for health and well-being
  • Access to culture, cultural participation and democracy
  • The role of libraries
  • The sectors’ green and digital transitions
  • Culture, cultural heritage and climate change
  • Quality built environment
  • International cultural relations, including Ukraine