The statement is released as a reaction to the new and to some extent unfair framework for analyzing the financial capacity of cultural organisations applying for EU funding that was introduced in 2018. Key messages from the statement are:
- Non-profit cultural organisations should be considered important stakeholders at the EU level, to be included in consultations and involved in strategic processes as they are active players and have specific expertise.
- The new application of financial assessment rules actively prevents organisations in the cultural and creative sectors from accessing EU funding – particularly in specific EU countries where national regulations do not permit non-profit organisations to keep the reserves needed to be rated financially “strong” by the EU – endangering a sizable percentage of cooperation projects and European networks.
- Due to their non-market oriented and mission-driven engagement, vital for creating and fostering the non-economic value of culture, non-profit cultural organisations require public support above all. However, their access to financial support provided by the next generation of funding programmes is at risk.
Culture Action Europe also writes that “the non-profit cultural sector has a significant impact on European societies and contributes greatly to their social and economic development. As stated in the European Agenda for Culture, ‘culture promotes active citizenship, common values, inclusion and intercultural dialogue within Europe and across the globe’.. The recognition of culture’s intrinsic value is the first principle outlined in the European Council Conclusions on the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022. The non-profit cultural sector is a powerful and committed contributor to each priority of the EU Strategic Agenda 2019-2024: from building a greener, fairer and more inclusive future to promoting European values within and beyond the EU borders.”
