Inspired by the article “What we need is a cultural deal for Europe” on Euronews (June 11, 2024) — What we need is a cultural deal for Europe
In a world facing war, disinformation, climate collapse, and growing authoritarianism, Europe finds itself defending democracy, freedom, and peace. But if we ask people to stand up for these ideals, we also need to ask: what holds us together? What are we actually fighting for?
The answer, increasingly, is culture — the shared stories, values, traditions, and creativity that give meaning to our lives. Without a cultural identity, freedom becomes an empty word. Democracy becomes a technical process. Europe becomes just a market. That’s why thinkers, artists, and institutions across the continent are calling for a Cultural Deal for Europe.
Culture Is Not Decoration — It's Foundation
Culture isn’t a luxury for peaceful times. It’s the core of how we understand ourselves and others — and how we build resilience in times of crisis. Whether it’s literature that questions power, theatre that opens dialogue, or local traditions that connect generations, culture shapes identity. And without identity, there’s no solidarity — only fear and fragmentation.
Right now, with war raging near Europe’s borders, with the rise of nationalism and conspiracy thinking, we need shared narratives that bind rather than break. Culture can do that — if we choose to support it.
The Danger of Cultural Neglect
Neglecting culture means risking a society that is easily manipulated, divided, and disoriented. A society where young people lose the ability to think critically. Where empathy gives way to suspicion. Where people no longer know their history — or care about their future.
This is not abstract. This is about whether future generations will feel they are part of something worth protecting.
A Cultural Deal: A Real Response to Real Threats
A Cultural Deal for Europe means putting culture at the heart of European policy. It means:
Funding access to culture and cultural education in every region, rural or urban.
Giving artists, thinkers, and creators a seat at the table when shaping public policy.
Using culture to promote inclusion, dialogue, and democratic values.
Making cultural cooperation part of Europe's international strategy, not an afterthought.
This isn’t just about saving the arts. It’s about safeguarding the soul of Europe.
What Are We Fighting For?
We’re fighting for a Europe where people are free — not only to vote, but to imagine, create, and belong. A Europe that isn’t just defined by treaties, but by ideas, languages, music, memory, and meaning.
If we do not have a cultural identity, what are we fighting for? A Cultural Deal for Europe is not a side issue. It’s an urgent call to defend what truly matters — and to invest in the stories that make freedom worth having.