EUNIC is proud to have joined 30 other European cultural networks to propose a complementary vision for the Culture Compass, the European Commission’s upcoming strategic framework designed to guide the multiple dimensions of culture and provide direction for future initiatives.

The discussion paper, ‘Towards the Culture Compass: A Sector Blueprint’, coordinated by Culture Action Europe, was co-created by and for the European cultural sector and sets out a clear direction for European cultural policies.

The networks involved addressed ten key focus areas, including: artistic freedom; working conditions; artistic research, culture and innovation; international cultural relations; culture and health and well-being; culture and sustainability; cultural participation; access to cultural and arts education; culture and security; culture and digital.

There is broad recognition that international cultural relations (ICR) should be a key strand of EU cultural policy. Amid global tensions and conflicts, ICR offers a way for the EU to act as a global partner focused on mutual benefit and reciprocity.

EUNIC - together with Goethe-Institut, a Supporting Member of Culture Action Europe - was invited to lead the chapter on international cultural relations (ICR).

Read the discussion paper here.

Since 2007, the EU has recognised culture as an important part of its external action. Building on the 2016 Joint Communication, 'Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations', and the 2018 New European Agenda for Culture, the international cultural relations model has offered a people-centred, values-driven approach that supports sustainable development, intercultural dialogue, and long-term partnerships.

Yet, the ICR approach has faced several challenges, including limited political leadership, fragmented coordination, and inconsistent resources, which constrain its full potential.

In this paper, EUNIC calls for a more strategic, coherent and long-term approach to embedding ICR in EU external action and outlines a set of proposals:

• Develop a fully-fledged EU strategy for international cultural relations as an integrated part of a wider holistic Culture Compass

• Mainstream culture as a strategic priority in EU external action

• Strengthen coordination and break down institutional silos

• Ensure inclusivity, accessibility, fairness, and ethics of solidarity as underlying principles of ICR

Read the full set of proposals in the ICR chapter on page 17 of the discussion paper.

The document aims to shape the future of cultural policies in Europe and is intended to be a living document and a springboard for discussion that will continue to evolve as new insights emerge.

Read more about the discussion paper and the networks involved on Culture Action Europe’s website here.