In a world shaped by digitalisation, artificial intelligence and global crises, the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) must ensure that Europe remains a beacon of artistic freedom, cultural and linguistic diversity, and social inclusion.
Making culture and education accessible to all is at the heart of the committee’s agenda. To achieve this, these sectors must celebrate plurality and ensure participation is open to everyone, regardless of background. Our committee should aim to promote policies that foster equal access to opportunities, especially for minorities and groups with fewer opportunities. Programs like Erasmus+, the European Solidarity Corps, and Creative Europe play a vital role in expanding horizons and promoting cultural creation across Europe.
Another significant challenge we face is ensuring that the cultural and creative sectors successfully adapt to technological shifts, like artificial intelligence, while preserving the essence of European artistic expression. In this regard, CULT should remain committed to supporting the rights of creators and cultural workers, aiming to create a fairer and more sustainable cultural ecosystem.
Safeguarding Europe’s media and audiovisual landscape, in terms of both freedom and vibrancy, is equally essential. The European Media Freedom Act, which took effect this year, will play a pivotal role in ensuring media pluralism and protecting journalists' independence. The directive on audiovisual media services also protects cultural and linguistic diversity. Our challenge in the upcoming term is to strengthen these frameworks and follow up on their implementation to promote European content and ensure diverse voices are heard across media channels.
Youth mainstreaming is another key point of the committee’s mandate, and essential to ensuring that young people’svoices, needs and aspirations are fully integrated into EU policymaking. By addressing the challenges faced by youth comprehensively, we invest in Europe’s future. Empowering young people with opportunities and resources to participate in decision-making is crucial for building a resilient and forward-looking union.
Sports also play a significant role in fostering inclusion, solidarity and wellbeing across Europe. Here, CULT’schallenge is to strengthen the European sports model, ensuring access to sport and its social role. Additionally, we will promote policies that promote gender equality and the role of grassroots organisations, while fostering the values of inclusion and solidarity.
CULT’s work over the next five years should embrace the responsibility of helping to shape Europe’s cultural landscape. Culture, free media and sports are the pillars of a democratic society. Through our efforts, we should ensure they remain accessible and inclusive, acting as shields against illiberal values and anti-democratic narratives. As we navigate the digital age, our challenge is to uphold the principles of artistic freedom, media pluralism and cultural diversity.