Europe's cultural ambitions must translate into tangible opportunities for citizens, regardless of where they live. This was the central message of Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP), Mayor of Gabrovo Municipality and European Committee of the Regions (CoR) rapporteur on the Culture Compass for Europe, during the CoR plenary session. Hristova called for stronger recognition of local and regional authorities in shaping European cultural policy, more accessible and predictable funding, and action to address territorial inequalities in cultural participation, particularly in rural, remote and disadvantaged areas.
The debate, held with Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, explored how European cultural policy can strengthen democracy, social cohesion and opportunities across generations.
"Culture lies at the heart of Europe's democracy, identity, resilience and cohesion. If we want to turn the ambitions of the Culture Compass for Europe into tangible results, we must recognise that Europe's cultural strength is rooted in its territories and communities," said Hristova.
Making culture accessible across Europe
The CoR opinion, drafted by Hristova, welcomes the Culture Compass for Europe while warning against the increasing centralisation of cultural funding under the future EU multiannual financial framework and national and regional partnership plans.
It calls for decentralised, territorially accessible funding and a move away from fragmented, short-term projects towards multiannual, flexible instruments that also meet the needs of smaller cultural organisations and creative actors.
Hristova underlined the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for cultural participation: "Cultural participation must not depend on where someone lives. A child growing up in a small rural community should have the same opportunities to access culture as a child living in a European capital."
The opinion also calls for local and regional authorities to be recognised as strategic partners in setting cultural priorities, designing funding instruments and assessing their territorial impact.
Culture as an investment in democracy and communities
The CoR argues that culture and cultural heritage must be recognised as strategic public goods contributing to democracy, competitiveness, sustainability and territorial cohesion.Cultural venues, heritage sites and participatory activities are particularly important in rural and disadvantaged communities, where they provide spaces for civic engagement, social interaction and the preservation of local identity. The opinion therefore calls for closer links between the Culture Compass and the European Democracy Shield, as well as stronger participation of national, ethnic and linguistic minorities in cultural life.
It also addresses the challenges posed by artificial intelligence, calling for clear rules on attribution, licensing and remuneration to protect artists and creative professionals. Fair working conditions, social protection and sustainable cultural careers are equally important to building resilient cultural ecosystems.