The two-day meeting was hosted by DutchCulture and marked the start of a new EUNIC presidency as DutchCulture Director Kirsten van den Hul steps into the leadership position.

The General Assembly is a key moment in the EUNIC calendar, offering a space for cultural relations leaders across the EUNIC network to reconnect in person, welcome new colleagues, reflect on shared progress, and shape the future direction of the network.

Change of leadership

A key highlight was the formal handover of the EUNIC Presidency from Liviu Jicman, President of the Romanian Cultural Institute, to Kirsten van den Hul, Director of DutchCulture. Hugues Ghenassia-de Ferran, Director General of Institut français, was elected to the EUNIC Board, while Gitte Zschoch, Secretary General of ifa - Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen, was elected as EUNIC Vice President.

EUNIC is more than a community of practice. EUNIC is a network of hope.

Kirsten van den Hul, DutchCulture

Strengthening the network

The EUNIC team shared key updates on programme activities, including the recently-closed Spaces of Culture call for proposals and the upcoming season of the EUNIC Mobility Scheme in 2025-26.

The programme involved a session on the EUNIC cluster network in which the Assembly approved the creation of 3 new clusters - in Bahrain, Bangalore, and Los Angeles - and approved the next edition of the Cluster Fund, supporting projects in 2026. The network now counts 143 clusters across the globe.

Following the recent adoption of EUNIC’s new Strategic Framework, members discussed how to operationalise its 3 key pillars – EUNIC as a doing, advocating, and learning network – and explored plans for upcoming Knowledge Sharing Workshops.

Cultural relations at EU level

A panel discussion with colleagues from the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, Danish Cultural Institute, and Irish Department of Foreign Affairs offered insights into how members can strategically connect to current and future EU Council Presidencies.

It’s less about fireworks and more about creating meaningful relations and opening up the path for countries that want to be a part of this European community.

Olga Brzezinska, Adam Mickiewicz Institute.

Culture and climate

Members explored the network’s collective approach to climate action in cultural relations, with insights shared by colleagues from EUNIC Netherlands on their Cluster Fund project Zoöp Connections, focused on ecological collaboration and new models of governance.

EUNIC and Ukraine

The General Assembly also featured an update from Volodymyr Sheiko, Director General of the Ukrainian Institute, highlighting the continued collaboration between EUNIC and the Ukrainian Institute. In conversation with different members, insights were shared into recent Mobility Scheme visits to Ukraine, bilateral cultural seasons such as between France and Ukraine, and the impact of the support provided through the EUNIC Ukraine Fund.

Even with severe pressure on resources, we can achieve huge impact by tapping into audiences and networks around the world. Thank you to EUNIC members for engaging with the Ukrainian Institute and for your generous contributions to the EUNIC Ukraine Fund.

Volodymyr Sheiko, Ukrainian Institute.

Focus on resilience

Resilience emerged as a central topic throughout the two days. A dedicated panel explored how to diversify partnerships and support resilient cultural ecosystems with special attention to the role cities can play in international cultural relations, with speakers from the City of Amsterdam, Studio Balsem, and the European Cultural Foundation.

Cities can play an important role in being a harbour for innovative cultural ecosystems – now more than ever.

Araf Ahmadali, City of Amsterdam.

Tapping into the local context

A networking reception was also held at the official residence of the Mayor of Amsterdam, where members were warmly received by Deputy Mayor Touria Meliani.

Complementing the General Assembly programme were cultural visits coordinated by DutchCulture, including:
• A guided tour of “From Rembrandt to Vermeer: Masterpieces from The Leiden Collection” at H’ART Museum
• A canal tour with Rederij Lampedusa, exploring stories of migration past and present.
• A Meet & Greet at DOMO, Amsterdam’s new house for cultural connections, home to DutchCulture, Cultural Emergency Response, the Prince Claus Fund, and the European Cultural Foundation.

The next General Assembly will take place in December 2025 in Brussels.

Photos from the meeting can be found here.