The need for a coherent, long-term cultural strategy that reflects the multiple dimensions of culture in European policymaking is timely and necessary. In this respect, it will also allow an alignment with the new priorities of the Council and the Commission, presented in 2024.

The recent Eurostat figures show that the Creative, Arts, and Entertainment Sectors represent 27,4% of a total of 2.03 million cultural enterprises, which is the highest portion of cultural enterprises, whilst the added value they are able to generate is significantly lower than manufacturing-related cultural sectors. This observation alone shows that the live performance ecosystem requires targeted policy initiatives. We also welcome the Commission’s recognition of a need for a more coherent and interconnected framework, supported by regular monitoring,  data collection, and sustained stakeholder engagement. This process must remain ongoing.

The call for evidence refers to five core dimensions which are expected to generate a positive impact: culturally, socially, economically, environmentally and externally.  Pearle* supports this view, whilst it needs to be underlined that it requires a careful balancing, as the core principle should remain the intrinsic value of the arts, the cultural diversity, the freedom of the arts and access to culture, and the value of those human rights. These dimensions are deeply interconnected, and any positive measures on one will inevitably reflect on the others.

We particularly welcome the commitment to improved alignment between EU-level cultural policy and broader political priorities. To ensure that the Culture Compass delivers tangible results for the sector, we underline the following priorities:

• Culture, thanks to its intrinsic value, must be embedded across all relevant EU policy fields from the outset.
• Artistic freedom must be protected as a democratic value, and the Rule of Law must be upheld as its foundation.
• Policies must be tailored to the specific working realities of the sector as a whole and to the different sectors where needed, co-developed with relevant stakeholders.
• Cultural sectors must be supported in adapting to digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
• Mobility and cross-border work must be made simpler and more consistent across Member States.
• Public investment in culture should be maintained and reinforced, especially through a clear, accessible, and well-coordinated funding landscape across the EU budget.
• The Culture Compass must remain a living tool—supported by structured dialogue, regular evaluation, and shared ownership between institutions and the cultural ecosystem.

Reflecting on the five core dimensions identified in the Commission’s initiative, we believe that by acting on these priorities, the Culture Compass can become a long-term commitment to protecting and growing Europe’s cultural fabric, in all its diversity, creativity, and potential, which will reflect:

• Culturally: in the reinforcement of artistic freedom and the intrinsic value of cultural expression as essential pillars of European identity and democratic life;
• Socially: in increasing inclusion, cohesion, and participation by removing structural barriers, supporting the working conditions of cultural professionals, and ensuring broad access to culture across all communities and for the benefit of all citizens;
• Economically: in stimulating growth and innovation by recognising the specific characteristics and needs of SMEs and micro-enterprises in the cultural and creative sectors, enhancing access to funding, and encouraging entrepreneurship and cross-border cooperation;
• Environmentally: in supporting the green transition in the cultural sector by promoting sustainable production models and innovation;
• Externally: in the strengthening of international cultural relations, through cultural diplomacy, artistic exchange, and the promotion of European values and cultural diversity abroad.

This integrated approach confirms that cultural policy is not isolated but inherently connected to the broader policy agenda. A strategic framework that takes these interdependencies into account will be essential for ensuring the lasting impact of the Culture Compass across all dimensions.

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