Cultural relations have the potential to contribute to social cohesion, resilience and inclusion. Women and young people deserve a special mention as drivers of change. The existing rights-based EU policy framework already acknowledges culture’s contribution to well-being, democracy and positive mutual perceptions.
Social inclusion and change
April 2023
(Re)generating trust podcast mini-series
The miniseries tackle the not-so-obvious link between youth and culture. Why is it important to give youth a space in the cultural sector? How can the EU institutions and member states do it? Youth is presented in these episodes as advocate for culture and creative skills, able to regenerate societies and trust in institutions. In the first episode, we hear inspirational examples of artistic and cultural collaboration between Europe and Rwanda and learn how European cultural centres can act as bridges.
22 September 2020
Erasmus+ and EU international cultural relations
The international dimension of the EU’s higher education Erasmus+ programme contributes to EU cultural relations, for instance, in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe. While the next EU budget (2021-2027) is being negotiated this post looks at Erasmus+’ impact and its role in the EU’s public and cultural diplomacy efforts, specifically as a perception shaper beyond the EU27 borders.
24 April 2020
Composing Trust Brief #4: Culture in EU external action: the power of societal change
This brief is a toolbox for policy-makers who need to argue for the intrinsic value of cultural experience. With an overall decrease in public funding for cultural activities, EU institutions are increasingly forced to justify the value of international cultural relations.
26 March 2019
A stronger sense of European belonging among young people through culture and education
culture Solutions’ chair Damien Helly gave a presentation on the role of youth in culture and the European integration at the Young Creatives Conference held by the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU. Find the presentation here.