With a view to the new 2021-2027 EU long-term budget (MFF) proposal, Sabine Verheyen, chair of the European Parliament Committee for Culture and Education, said:
“As lockdowns are gradually eased and it becomes clear that large chunks of the cultural and creative sector will be the last to open up, it seems that the OECD’s initial estimates of a 10% drop in recreation and culture spending were wildly optimistic, unfortunately. Many small organisations and individuals face ruin and Europe risks losing its heart and soul.”
“As the Commission works on a new proposal for the EU’s long-term budget, it has a historic responsibility. We need to spend significantly more on culture and double the modest budget for Creative Europe to 2.806 billion.”