The European Union has approved the European Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026, setting new priorities for European cultural policy. On November 29, the Council of the European Union passed the plan, which aims to address the current crises in European and international society through cultural action. The EU culture ministers held an orientation debate on solidarity with Ukrainian culture and heritage, which led to the decision to strengthen the external dimension of culture and add a specific action for Ukraine to the plan.
Four major 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
21 actions
In relation to the priority areas and working methods described in the text, the resolution 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
- and international cultural relations, including Ukraine
Read full text here (EUR Lex).
The Work Plan’s priorities are broadly in line with the Commission’s Report on the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022 adopted last June.