Pearle* welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the midterm review of the Charter Strategy and to share the perspective of the live performance sector on the application of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular with respect to Article 13 (Freedom of the arts and sciences) and Article 11 (Freedom of expression and information).

Pearle* acknowledges the critical need to continue safeguarding the rights and values enshrined in the Charter, and we continue to advocate for the recognition, promotion and protection of artistic freedom as a fundamental right and a pillar of European democratic life.

In our response to the consultation, we urge the Commission to promote a broader interpretation and stronger awareness of how EU law interacts with the Charter of Fundamental Rights, particularly in safeguarding artistic freedom. Given the growing challenges to this freedom across the EU, Pearle* calls on the Commission to take concrete action under each of the four strategic pillars of the Charter Strategy.

We propose the following recommendations to strengthen the protection and promotion of fundamental rights in the cultural sector:

1. Effective application by the Member States
2. Empowering civil society organisations, rights defenders and justice practitioners
3. The Charter as a compass for EU institutions
4. Strengthening people’s awareness of their rights under the Charter

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