Council Resolution on the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023–2026 2022/C 466/01
Date: 2022-12-07
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: EU action, action programme, artistic creation, artistic profession, cultural cooperation, cultural heritage, cultural pluralism, cultural promotion, cultural relations








C_2022466EN.01000101.xml










7.12.2022   


EN


Official Journal of the European Union


C 466/1






COUNCIL RESOLUTION ON THE EU WORK PLAN FOR CULTURE 2023–2026
(2022/C 466/01)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
ACKNOWLEDGING






—


that culture is an infinite source of inspiration and innovation, a reflection of humanity and aesthetics, our shared language and heritage, and a fundamental part of our identities and communities;










—


the role of culture as an integral element in sustainable development and positive societal transformation;










—


the growing significance of EU values, including freedom of expression and creation;










—


the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors to employment and the EU economy;










—


the role of culture in the EU’s external relations and cooperation with other international bodies, especially the Council of Europe and UNESCO;










—


the Council’s previous work plans for culture and the results achieved;




IN THE LIGHT OF






—


the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine, an EU candidate country, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and an attack on human rights and fundamental EU values and principles, which threatens to destroy the rich cultural life and heritage of Ukraine, and which has triggered the largest displacement of citizens in Europe since the Second World War and an alarming energy crisis;










—


the serious impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on society as a whole, on each individual and on many economic sectors, especially the cultural and creative sectors, many of which continue to suffer from its consequences;










—


the accelerating pace of climate change, the loss of biodiversity and the consequent need to step up the sustainability transformation, which culture can expedite by awareness-raising, creativity and innovation;










—


ongoing processes such as digitalisation and persistent challenges such as the specific working conditions of artists, creators and other cultural professionals;




RECALLING






—


the main political references as set out in Annex II to this Resolution;










—


the importance of mainstreaming the cultural dimension into all relevant policy areas, programmes and initiatives, and the need for increased synergies;










—


the efforts taken to develop and implement a strategic EU approach to international cultural relations;




AGREES
on the following overarching priorities with regard to their contribution to enhancing European cultural cooperation, promoting cultural diversity and providing European added value, and in view of the need for joint action over the next four years, taking into consideration the main challenges and with due regard for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality:







a)




Artists and cultural professionals: empowering the cultural and creative sectors












b)




Culture for the people: enhancing cultural participation and the role of culture in society












c)




Culture for the planet: unleashing the power of culture












d)




Culture for co-creative partnerships: strengthening the cultural dimension of EU external relations





INVITES THE COMMISSION AND THE HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNION FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY, WITHIN THEIR RESPECTIVE SPHERES OF COMPETENCE AND WITH DUE REGARD FOR THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY






—


to prepare a working document on preliminary key findings on the implementation of this EU Work Plan, based on voluntary written contributions from Member States, by April 2026, and to adopt a final report by June 2026;










—


based on prior consultations with Member States and stakeholders, to consider proposing an EU strategic framework for culture that will reflect the guiding principles set out in Annex I and will aim to strategically mainstream the cultural policy perspective and the assets of culture into all relevant EU policies, programmes and initiatives. The EU Work Plans for Culture will continue to prioritise and identify specific actions for cultural cooperation at European level.








ANNEX I
I.   GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The EU Work Plan for Culture is based on the following guiding principles:






—


Culture, including cultural heritage, has an intrinsic value and contributes to strengthening European identity.










—


Cultural and linguistic diversity are fundamental assets of the EU and are to be respected, promoted and enhanced, including through mobility and the circulation of works.










—


Freedom of artistic expression and creativity are fundamental to the human ability to address challenges, to think critically, to innovate and to invent, and they must be encouraged and supported in all relevant ways.










—


Cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue are essential for the promotion and protection of human rights; they foster mutual understanding, help prevent and resolve conflicts and promote reconciliation, peace and international stability, and any misuse of culture with the aim of spreading war propaganda and disinformation and of instigating hatred is incompatible with the fundamental values and principles of the EU.










—


Culture makes a significant contribution to sustainable development, the economy and social inclusion, enhancing territorial cohesion.










—


Culture has the potential to promote equality and mutual respect, and to fight against all forms of violence, discrimination, intolerance and prejudice.










—


Implementation should be supported by optimised use of quality data and statistics.




II.   PRIORITY AREAS

a)   Artists and cultural professionals: empowering the cultural and creative sectors

The cultural and creative ecosystem is inconceivable without the people who create cultural content in countless forms: artists and other cultural and creative professionals, institutions and organisations. Strong cultural and creative sectors (CCS) are therefore indispensable. However, they are characterised by self-employment, small and micro-enterprises, high competitiveness and fragmented markets. Artists and cultural and creative professionals tend to have project-based careers and experience a high degree of mobility. They often have an irregular and unpredictable income and combine several jobs to earn a living.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the CCS have displayed great adaptability and innovativeness. Nevertheless, they have been seriously impacted and continue to be affected by the consequences of the pandemic.
The ongoing Russian invasion in Ukraine and its effects on the cultural and creative ecosystem, highlight cultural actors’ integral role in democratic societies and the importance of safeguarding the freedom of artistic expression, which is coming under increasing pressure.
Now more than ever, there is an urgent need to further strengthen the resilience of the CCS, to support their recovery and diversity, to encourage their engagement with the sustainability objectives, to capitalise on new trends accelerated by the pandemic, including in the digital environment, and to ensure fair working conditions for all cultural and creative professionals so that more voices can be heard from this independent and dynamic sector.
b)   Culture for the people: enhancing cultural participation and the role of culture in society

Culture, including cultural heritage, plays a crucial role in our democracies and in the lives of individuals. Participation in culture and cultural heritage, creativity and the arts has a positive impact on people of all ages and backgrounds; it enhances people’s quality of life, and improves the health and overall well-being of individuals and communities. Cultural participation facilitates social and territorial cohesion, while fostering respect for cultural and linguistic diversity and providing a platform for open dialogue within civil societies.
Cultural and linguistic diversity are among Europe’s key assets and, as such, must be respected and promoted, paying particular attention to lesser-used languages. Special attention is needed to ensure children’s and young people’s participation in cultural life and their reading capacity, fostering their creativity and enriching their experience. An inclusive approach to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups is equally important.
Cultural institutions play a vital role in strengthening democracy and social well-being by reaching out to the whole community, providing affordable or free access to knowledge and information, in full respect of intellectual property rights, enhancing media literacy, creating common ground for dialogue and debate, and thereby strengthening social integration and community engagement, and ultimately contributing to combating disinformation, hate speech and fake news. This role of cultural institutions must be further nurtured.
In this regard, the current work plan pays special attention to fostering the development of libraries. Many libraries also provide a peaceful and safe environment for vulnerable people, which is currently of specific relevance with regard to the many displaced people from Ukraine and their need for physical and mental shelter.
c)   Culture for the planet: unleashing the power of culture

The cultural and creative ecosystems in Europe and beyond are facing serious threats of both natural and human origin, with climate change in particular having a long-term impact on European cultural and creative sectors. It is essential that cultural heritage and the CCS be prepared for future challenges. It is high time to act on risk preparedness in cultural heritage and on strengthening cultural heritage’s resilience to climate change. The EU will continue, and will intensify, the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural goods.
Culture, including cultural heritage, contributes to the sustainability transformation needed to meet the objectives of the European Green Deal and the 2030 Agenda. In this context, digital technologies also play a key role. Therefore, innovation in the cultural and creative sectors, digital transformation and the accessibility of culture and cultural heritage in the digital space must be further strengthened. The EIT KIC Culture and Creativity (1) will have a key role in this respect. It is also necessary to take a balanced approach to the built environment. Wide-scale promotion of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) initiative could help raise awareness of the importance of quality architecture and built environment.
Furthermore, research and cultural statistics should be improved in order to be able to better monitor the performance of the CCS and develop efficient evidence-based policies to support them. Eurostat should play a central and increasing role in cooperation with other international and independent organisations working in the field of research and statistics in the CCS.
d)   Culture for co-creative partnerships: strengthening the cultural dimension of EU external relations

Europe’s cultural richness and freedom, the EU’s bottom-up approach rooted in civil society and the EU’s strong engagement in co-creation are strong assets for international relations from the perspective of building sustainable partnerships on an equal footing. It is highly important to make full use of this potential by not only increasing the number of cultural cooperation activities and projects but also their visibility and outreach.
Russia’s war against Ukraine is a clear indication both of gradually changing geopolitical realities and of the misuse of culture and heritage to help justify military aggression. Against this background, cultural co-creation can authentically underpin and credibly communicate our European values, including artistic liberties and cultural rights, in large parts of the world, and thus help contain the reach of authoritarian systems.
Bearing in mind the future of our planet and the common goal of sustainability, more cultural ambition for change and intellectual dialogue that paves the way for joint approaches in the spirit of the NEB (sustainable, inclusive, beautiful) is needed. Close coordination at EU level and the integration of culture into all relevant areas of the EU’s external action and into appropriate financial instruments will be key to strengthening the role of culture in EU external relations.
III.   IMPLEMENTATION AND WORKING METHODS









1.


The Council invites the Member States, the Commission and, for the external action aspects, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, to work together on implementing actions under the Work Plan on the basis of a rolling agenda as set out in Chapter IV and Annex A. The timetable in Annex A is by its nature indicative and will be implemented by subsequent Presidencies as appropriate.












2.


Regular dialogue and cooperation among Member States, EU institutions, civil society, international organisations and third-country partners is expected to create a holistic approach which supports synergies and, where appropriate, policy coherence, encourages mutual learning and can lead to better results.












3.


The realisation of the Work Plan and the implementation of the Creative Europe Programme through its annual work plans and other culture-related programmes and activities should complement each other in a synergetic way.












4.


The EU Work Plan for Culture should be monitored by the Presidency of the Council and, if necessary, may be adjusted by the Council in light of results achieved and/or relevant policy developments at European or international level.












5.


Topics in each priority area are addressed through several actions (Chapter IV), using the most appropriate working method(s). The final outcome of each action, together with a corresponding report outlining conclusions and recommendations, where appropriate, will be presented to the Cultural Affairs Committee (CAC) and, where appropriate, to the Audiovisual and Media Working Party (AVMWP) for discussion and a possible decision on future steps.












6.


Flexibility in the provisions and implementation of the EU Work Plan for Culture is essential in order to be able to react to ongoing and future challenges and a changing policy environment.












7.


The following working methods, (2) among others, can be used: the Open Method of Coordination (OMC); ad hoc or Commission-led expert groups and roundtables; peer-learning activities; experimental and pilot-type actions; think-tank meetings; studies; conferences; stocktaking seminars or other stocktaking formats; dialogue with civil society; formal and informal workshops; joint initiatives with the Council of Europe and other international organisations; Council conclusions; and informal meetings of officials from Ministries of Culture and, when appropriate, other ministries.




IV.   ACTIONS

In relation to the priority areas and working methods described in Chapters II and III, the following actions will be carried out:
a)   Artists and cultural professionals: empowering the cultural and creative sectors

—   
Status and working conditions of artists and cultural and creative professionals



Working methods: Follow-up to the ongoing OMC group; thematic workshops; possible conference.

Rationale: As a follow-up to the OMC expert group, an online platform is proposed to provide information about artists’ and cultural and creative professionals’ working conditions in the EU Member States. The platform will be based on valuable data and material gathered also in cooperation with social partners represented in various cultural sectors and should continuously take updates and new measures into account. In addition, topics such as diversity, mobility and a gender perspective will also be considered. This would help to obtain information on the working conditions across the EU and better cope with administrative requirements, as regards social security and other aspects such as taxation. Exchanging experience with regard to the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) for this topic should be also taken into consideration.

Target outputs: An online platform to enable continuous exchange of information and good practices among stakeholders with regard to improving artists’ and creative professionals’ working conditions; stocktaking of progress and work on specific recommendations on the Status of the Artist (3).
—   
Artistic freedom




Working methods:
 Conference, followed by related Council conclusions.


Rationale:
 Artistic freedom is a fundamental part of cultural work, and the protection of artistic freedom has proved to be an important element as regards strengthening the link between culture and democracy. Artists and stakeholders within the cultural sector are facing new and increasingly difficult challenges. Joint efforts to enable artists and cultural actors to freely exercise their professions throughout the EU are therefore of utmost importance. This issue not only concerns terms and conditions for artists, but also determines whose voices are heard.


Target outputs:
 Exchanging ideas and best practices by discussing different perspectives and policy development to stimulate positive change.
—   Stimulate the digital transformation of the cultural and creative sectors



Working methods:
 Conference, possibly followed by related Council conclusions.


Rationale:
 Digitisation has resulted in a profound transformation of the cultural and creative sectors in the past decade. It has brought about fundamental changes to the way professionals in these sectors operate and to the relationships between them and with their audiences. However, fragmentation of efforts and a lack of collaboration on a larger scale hinder a strong and agile approach to digital transformation.


Target outputs:
 Exchanging experience to identify transferable best practices in order to promote a coherent and sustainable digital transformation across the CCS.
—   Stimulate the green transition of the cultural and creative sectors, with a specific focus on the energy crisis



Working methods:
 Workshop(s) / OMC; a stocktaking exercise on the energy crisis for sharing best practices.


Rationale:
 The CCS must not be left behind in the green transition. They must reinforce their contribution to a sustainable future and play an active role in the green transition, climate action and Europe’s recovery, with a specific focus on the current energy crisis, while considering the Union’s geographical diversity and characteristics. A variety of practices and initiatives have already been tried out. The work under this action should reflect the outcomes of the OMC groups on the cultural dimension of sustainable development and on strengthening cultural heritage resilience for climate change. Exchanging experience with regard to the RRF for this topic should also be taken into consideration.


Target outputs:
 Exchanging experiences and identifying transferable best practices in the CCS (especially in performing arts, music, museums, film production), including on CO2 calculators; supporting CCS efforts to adapt to the green transition.
—   Enhancing the cultural and creative dimension in the European video games sector



Working method:
 A series of roundtables and/or think-tank meeting.


Rationale: As a follow-up to the Council conclusions on a European Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries Ecosystem and the European Parliament initiative report and pilot project on video games, discussions at European level can identify avenues to support the cultural and creative dimension in the European video games sector, which is at the forefront of new cultural practices in the digital environment. These discussions could also explore issues related to financing mechanisms, especially for SMEs and start-ups; independence, freedom of creation and diversity of cultural expressions; skills and training; creative and technological innovation; new uses of video games for supporting the access of culture; the role of video games in educational purposes, etc.


Target outputs:
 Recommendations to support the cultural and creative dimension of the European video games sector and reinforce collaboration between European stakeholders in this field.
b)   Culture for the people: enhancing cultural participation and the role of culture in society

—   Culture and promoting democracy: towards cultural citizenship in Europe



Working methods:
 Peer-learning and possible conference bringing together policy makers and relevant stakeholders in the cultural and educational sectors.


Rationale:
 In the spirit of the Porto Santo Charter and based on the study commissioned in the framework of the Work Plan for Culture 2019–2022, it is necessary to intensify and broaden citizen participation, particularly among the younger generations, and to legitimise decision-making processes, engaging the whole community in decision-making, creation, production, communication, mediation and fruition. Cross-sectoral synergies between schools, cultural organisations, civil society and other actors must be established, in order to fully harness the transformative potential of culture for enhancing democracy.


Target outputs:
 Sharing experience and selection of examples of best practice.
—   Culture and health



Working methods:
 possible conference; possible informal meetings of officials from ministries of culture and ministries of health; short-term OMC group on including culture in health policies – exchanging good practices with a special focus on mental health.


Rationale:
 Cultural activities can support illness prevention, health promotion, and management and treatment of illnesses. Cultural activities offer a holistic approach and have a positive impact on people of all ages and backgrounds, enhance people’s quality of life and increase the health and overall well-being of individuals and communities. There is also a significant economic impact. The OMC can build on the results of the 2022 preparatory action ‘Culture for Health’ and on previous research and work undertaken on this topic.


Target outputs:
 Raising awareness of the positive effects of culture and creating more cross-sectoral cooperation among decision-makers; recommendations for implementing participatory cultural practices, with a focus on mental health; continue mapping good practices.
—   Building bridges: strengthen the multiple roles of libraries as gateways to and transmitters of cultural works, skills and European values



Working methods:
 OMC group; workshops; conference.


Rationale:
 Libraries play a key role in Europe’s democratic, social, cultural, and educational landscape at all levels. They make a significant contribution to building democracy, citizen engagement and public-participation activities across the EU, including in rural and remote areas, including the outermost regions. They welcome diverse groups, develop programmes and activities reflecting current societal challenges, and provide access to pluralist and reliable information and diverse cultural content in safe and accessible environments. They are essential gateways to local and indigenous data, knowledge, research and culture.


Target outputs:
 Starting a comprehensive debate and explore fields for promoting and strengthening libraries; identifying different dimensions and areas with potential, and exploring funding lines under EU programmes; bringing together policy makers and library professionals; explore possibilities for training and further activities for professionals.
—   Protection of children and young people from harmful content on digital platforms



Working methods:
 Workshop(s)/round table discussion(s).


Rationale:
 Today, children and young people are present in large numbers on digital platforms, which offer enormous positive potential. However, this also increases the risk of vulnerable groups being exposed to harmful content or misinformation, and of addiction. It is possible to build on the European strategy for a better internet for kids, the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the rules on protection of minors in the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD). Moreover, in order to protect children and young people against harmful content, media literacy and critical understanding of media and platforms are particularly important and relevant.


Target outputs:
 Identifying and supporting best practices to ensure the protection and empowerment of children and young people online, both in the Member States and at EU level.
—   Discoverability of diverse European cultural content in the digital environment



Working methods:
 Technical study and/or workshop.


Rationale:
 The discoverability of cultural content depends on how the data has been produced and documented, and also on content management by the big platforms, which act as gatekeepers. European content must be discoverable, beyond simply being available online. It is essential to build on existing work and consultations (e.g. Media Outlook, European Audiovisual Observatory, Europeana), to understand better the impact that content prioritisation practices, algorithm recommendations and curation strategies have on cultural and linguistic diversity, and find common solutions to increase the exposure of high-quality European content online, including suitable data-driven income models.


Target outputs:
 Recommendations; review of innovative projects and specific tools, but also of difficulties regarding access to content (including people with disabilities or lower income), with a focus on less-explored and less-regulated sectors such as music or books.
c)   Culture for the planet: unleashing the power of culture

—   Cultural statistics – to build resilience in and through culture



Working methods:
 Series of workshops and/or peer-learning activities; discussions with Eurostat and EU Member States’ statistical offices.


Rationale:
 The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted several structural challenges and vulnerabilities in the cultural and creative sectors. Important support measures have already been taken at national and EU level, but further steps still need to be taken, such as increased exchange of best practices among the Member States and the development of a set of reliable culture statistics, comparable across the EU, including on gender inequalities in the CCS. It is important to build on the results of the 2022 pilot project ‘Measuring the cultural and creative sectors in Europe’ and work in close collaboration with Eurostat.


Target outputs:
 Exchanging best practices among the Member States; identification and development of a set of harmonised and comparable statistics across the EU, covering gender equality aspects, the labour dimension, economic support for the sector, and cultural participation, with relevant social-demographic breakdowns.
—   Cultural governance



Working methods:
 Think-tank meeting, possibly followed by related Council conclusions.


Rationale:
 The world is currently facing a multitude of rapid changes. New ways of thinking and innovative approaches are therefore required, as well as transversal and integrated approaches on cultural governance, based on recent developments, research and innovation, are deemed necessary in order to put culture at the heart of public life.


Target outputs:
 Development of a new model of cultural governance proposing future-oriented approaches to holistically address current challenges.
—   Climate action through culture, including the arts and cultural heritage



Working methods:
 Follow-up to the 2022 OMC reports; workshops, possibly followed by related Council conclusions.


Rationale:
 Culture, including the arts and cultural heritage, can play a key role in triggering climate action and promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. Culture can take an active role in climate action and stimulate a change of mindset towards the climate crisis. Our cultural heritage can be safeguarded through sharing best practices on targeted protection measures and, at the same time, it can be a source of good practice and knowledge regarding climate adaptation. The cooperation should build on the OMC reports on strengthening cultural heritage resilience for climate change and on the cultural dimension of sustainable development.


Target outputs:
 Exchanging knowledge regarding innovative artistic and cultural approaches, including measures under the RRF, to address the climate crisis and help transform behaviour to address the climate crisis; advancing EU-funded research on the topic.
—   High-quality living environment for everyone



Working methods:
 European Directors for Architectural Policies (EDAP) meetings; promotion of the NEB initiative via post-OMC expert network exchanges; possible organisation of a European conference on architectural policies.


Rationale:
 In line with the work and report of the OMC group of EU Member States experts on investing in a high-quality architecture and living environment for everyone (2021) and with the Council conclusions on culture, high-quality architecture and built environment as key elements of the NEB initiative (2021), the EDAP gather under each Council presidency to consider possible initiatives to achieve a high-quality living environment for everyone, including those living in rural and remote areas, such as outermost regions. The EDAP meetings could focus in particular on topics such as the quality of tomorrow’s housing, the restoration, renovation and adapted re-use of cultural heritage, and improvements of architecture competitions and public procurement. It is essential to build synergies with the NEB network.


Target outputs:
 Exchanging good practices among the EDAP; taking stock of the existing legislative frameworks and relevant initiatives in the field and possibly starting a process to monitor and champion the inclusion of high-quality standards in new and revised policies and programmes; NEB-related actions.
—   Safeguarding heritage against natural and human-made disasters



Working methods:
 Peer-learning activities (workshops, visits) and/or conference.


Rationale:
 Natural and human-made disasters and crises (such as climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian war against Ukraine) require strengthened risk-assessment skills, improved disaster preparedness, and coordinated actions in a transversal approach in order to safeguard cultural heritage, including intangible cultural heritage. It is necessary, while building on existing work, to further integrate cultural heritage into wider policies and initiatives at all levels, and to utilise existing common European platforms and developing projects (e.g. European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage, HEREIN) for exchange, discussion and sharing of knowledge and expertise on risk preparedness and management, recovery and rehabilitation of cultural heritage.


Target outputs:
 Building the capacity and skills of stakeholders; producing a comprehensive inventory of relevant manuals, guidelines and methodology at European level to facilitate the effective design and implementation of risk and emergency preparedness measures in and by Member States.
—   Exchanging information between cultural heritage professionals and competent authorities for cultural goods on the fight against trafficking cultural goods



Working methods:
 Series of workshops complementary to the upcoming EU Action Plan against Trafficking in Cultural Goods for 2023–2027 and/or peer-learning activities.


Rationale:
 EU legislation on the import and export of cultural goods deals with challenges at cross border trafficking in relation to the protection of cultural heritage. The competent authorities are confronted with several challenges (verification methods, documentation, data analysis, understanding how the art market works, including its shift to the internet, etc.). It is essential to ensure efficient cooperation between all actors involved, including ministries of culture, regional and local institutions, cultural heritage professionals, law enforcement agencies, special police forces, customs and judicial authorities, and art market professionals.


Target outputs:
 Assessing and improving cooperation between the actors involved; gaining insight into each other’s working methods; identifying risks and problems; and working on possible recommendations for improvements.
d)   Culture for co-creative partnerships: strengthening the cultural dimension of EU external relations

—   Governance of the EU strategic approach to international cultural relations and framework



Working methods:
 short-term OMC, senior officials’ meetings.


Rationale:
 Culture’s role in external relations has been enshrined in a number of recent milestone EU documents. Nevertheless, coordination and bridging gaps between different stakeholders involved in implementation remains a challenge at all levels, both for the EU and for Member States. Structuring the cooperation between all relevant actors and strengthening equal footing of interests, including artists and cultural professionals, is therefore necessary. Bearing in mind the principle of co-creation in the EU’s external relations, working methods need to be adapted for cohesive decision shaping on a continuous basis, including for the definition of regional and thematic priorities (e.g. in the context of partnerships with candidate countries) or the preparation of EU flagship actions (e.g. book fairs, world exhibitions, fairs and festivals, etc.).


Target outputs:
 Cross-cutting and inclusive methodology, including proposals for future working structures and methods that would ensure a reinforced, coherent and longer-term cultural cooperation process in international cultural relations, involving all relevant stakeholders.
—   Preserving cultural heritage and empowering local CCS in Ukraine



Working methods:
 Commission-led expert group or think-tank meetings and peer-learning/training activities; meetings with Permanent Representations.


Rationale:
 The Russian war against Ukraine has destroyed and damaged Ukrainian cultural heritage and cultural institutions, and placed them under considerable threat of further destruction and damage, as well as making them prey to trafficking. Preservation and protection efforts should therefore be supported. The reconstruction and recovery process should be undertaken by strengthening Ukraine’s capacity and expertise and should be based on national, international and European norms, on standard-setting texts, principles (such as NEB) and lessons learned, and be consistent with the European quality principles for EU-funded interventions with potential impact on cultural heritage (4). Likewise, Ukrainian cultural and creative actors and professionals need support as they continue to face many difficulties in their activities. In the spirit of co-creation, cultural cooperation with Ukraine should therefore be aimed at strengthening the CCS’ resilience, as well as their capacity to uphold a lively culture and arts scene.


Target outputs: Assessing possible joint measures, synergies and best practices for the preservation, protection and reconstruction of Ukrainian cultural heritage and cultural institutions, and for supporting Ukrainian cultural and creative actors.
—   The role of culture and cultural professionals in the promotion and defence of democracy and human rights in fragile contexts



Working methods:
 possible joint meetings with relevant Council Working Parties; joint stocktaking conference/seminar with the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, UNESCO and civil society.


Rationale:
 The EEAS 2021 Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy in the World points to the global context of democratic backsliding and widespread violations of international human rights. This also affects cultural and creative professionals in third countries who engage in the defence of democracy, human rights, freedom of artistic expression, etc. While the EU already promotes respect for cultural rights and diversity in third countries, more focused and systematic support could be explored, keeping in mind the Council of Europe, UNESCO and European Parliament's implications in this field.


Target outputs: Comprehensive overview of situations, needs, etc. of cultural human rights defenders.


(1)  Knowledge and Innovation Community of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (https://eit.europa.eu/eit-community/eit-culture-creativity)

(2)  General guidelines relating to working methods are set out in Annex B.

(3)  https://en.unesco.org/creativity/governance/status-artist.

(4)  https://www.icomos.org/en/about-icomos/committees/regional-activities-europe/58799-european-quality-principles-for-eu-funded-interventions-with-potential-impact-upon-cultural-heritage





ANNEX A

Indicative timetable of the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023–2026
















Priority




Action




2023




2024




2025




2026






1st half




2nd half




1st half




2nd half




1st half




2nd half




1st half




2nd half











a)



Artists and cultural professionals: empowering the CCS







Status and working conditions of artists and cultural and creative professionals



Platform (EC)


 


Thematic
workshop


 


Thematic
workshop


 


Thematic workshop
or
Poss. conference


 




Artistic freedom


PRES Conference
Council conclusions


 


 


 


 


 


 


 




Stimulate the digital transformation of the CCS


 


 


PRES Conference
Poss. Council conclusions


 


 


 


 


 




Stimulate the green transition of the CCS, with specific focus on the energy crisis


Stocktaking – energy crisis


 


OMC or Workshops


 


 


 




Enhancing the cultural and creative dimension in the European video games sector


 


Roundtables and/or think tank meeting


 


 


 


 


 




Council conclusions on the recovery, resilience and sustainability of the cultural and creative sectors


Stocktaking


 


 


 


 


 


 




Council conclusions on reinforcing intercultural exchanges through the mobility of artists and cultural and creative professionals, and through multilingualism in the digital


 


 


 


 


Stocktaking


 


 










b)



Culture for the people: enhancing cultural participation and the role of culture in society







Culture and promoting democracy: towards a cultural citizenship in Europe



(Presentation EC study 2022- previous WP)


 


 


Peer-learning


Poss. Conference


 




Culture and health


 


Poss. conference
Poss. informal meeting of officials


(short) OMC group


 


 


 


 




Building bridges: strengthen the multiple role of libraries as gateways and transmitters of cultural works, skills and European values


Workshop


OMC group


Workshop


Conference


 




Protection of children and young people from harmful content on digital platforms


 


 


 


 


 


Workshop


 


 




Discoverability of diverse European content in the digital environment


Study


Poss. workshop


 


 


 










c)



Culture for the planet: unleashing the power of culture







Cultural statistics – to build resilience in and through culture


Workshops/peer-learning and discussions with Eurostat and EU MS statistical offices




Cultural governance


 


 


 


 


 


 


Think-tank meeting
Poss. Council conclusions


 




Climate action through culture, incl. arts and cultural heritage


 


 


Poss. workshop


 


Poss. workshop


 


Workshop


Poss. Council conclusions




Advancing EU-funded research on the topic




High-quality living environment for everyone


EDAP meetings




Promoting NEB initiative




Poss. conference




Safeguarding heritage against natural and human-made disasters


 


 


Peer-learning


Poss. conference


 


 


 




Exchanging information between cultural heritage professionals and competent authorities for cultural goods on the fight against trafficking cultural goods


 


Workshop / peer-learning


Workshop / peer-learning


Workshop / peer-learning


 


 


 


 










d)



Culture for co-creative partnerships: strengthening the cultural dimension of EU external relations







Governance of the EU strategic approach to international cultural relations and framework


Senior Officials Meetings




 


Short OMC


 


 


 


 


 




Preserving cultural heritage and empowering local cultural and creative sectors in Ukraine


Commission led expert group or think-tank meetings
Peer-learning / training activities


 


 


 


 




Meetings with Permanent Representations




The role of culture and cultural professionals in the promotion and defence of democracy and human rights in fragile contexts


 


 


Joint stocktaking conference / seminar (with EP, CoE, UNESCO, civil society)


 


 


 


 




Joint meeting with relevant Council WP









ANNEX B

Guidelines relating to all working methods


General guidelines







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The working methods under the Work Plan are flexible and not limited to those listed in Chapter III, point 7.










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The Commission will provide expertise (including studies and other forms of expert input) and logistical support in respect of proposed working methods under this Work Plan, as relevant.










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Participation is voluntary and, when relevant, based on Member State nominations. Specific rules apply to Commission expert groups and roundtables (see below).










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The Commission will provide a virtual space (for communication and document sharing) for selected working methods, if relevant, feasible and requested, to allow experts to keep in touch and debate the relevant issues. This virtual space will be open to nominees from all Member States and, where relevant, other participating countries.










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Upon request, the CAC will be informed on the progress made on the Work Plan actions.










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For each final outcome of each working method within the Work Plan, a plan for distribution and communication at European, national and regional levels will be proposed, as appropriate.










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Recommendations coming out of each working method will be discussed by the CAC and, when relevant, by other relevant preparatory bodies and, as appropriate, presented to the Council.










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Final reports on each working method will be published and, as appropriate, an executive summary – not exceeding four pages – will be translated by the Commission into all official EU languages.




Open Method of Coordination (OMC)






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The OMC provides a framework for cooperation, exchange and sharing good practices among Member States on certain common topics and allows for the development of non-binding recommendations.










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The OMC mandate will be finalised in the CAC – with input from the AVMWP, where relevant – on the basis of a draft mandate proposed by the Commission.










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The mandate can propose that third parties, including third countries, be invited to an OMC group (1).










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Each OMC group will be responsible for appointing a chair or co-chairs at the first expert group meeting.










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Depending on the topic, the OMC group might be encouraged to form smaller focus groups and use participatory methods, where appropriate.




Peer-learning activities






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Peer-learning activities should allow relevant policy makers, practitioners and/or relevant stakeholders to exchange ideas and knowledge about practices, tools and working methods at national, regional or local level. They should take place in a practical context using a strong hands-on approach.










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Individual Member States or a group of Member States may take the initiative and provide or ask for expertise on this working method.










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The Commission may also organise peer-learning activities for national, regional or local practitioners.




Think-tank meetings






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Think-tank meetings should provide the space to discuss new, topical or innovative subjects, as well as to brainstorm on plans or strategies. The debate should be open and strictly informal.










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Individual Member States or a group of Member States, in cooperation with relevant stakeholders, can take the initiative and provide expertise and logistical support on this working method.










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The method may involve a single meeting or a series of meetings, as proposed by the initiating body.




Stocktaking exercises






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The purpose of stocktaking exercises is to review and assess developments in, and achievements on, a topic agreed on in the CAC. In addition, it will provide a forum for all involved in the discussion.










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Stocktaking exercises can take any appropriate form, e.g. an online expert meeting, a questionnaire, a conference, etc.




Commission-led expert groups and roundtables






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Commission-led expert groups are consultative bodies set up by the Commission to provide advice in relation to the preparation of legislative acts and policy initiatives (2). Participating experts are selected according to the Commission’s internal rules.










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The Commission may also organise roundtables with selected participants on a topic agreed on in the EU Work Plan for Culture.






(1)  For the purposes of this Work Plan, ‘third countries’ are those referred to in the provisions of articles 9 and 10 of the Creative Europe Programme (Regulation (EU) 2021/818 – OJ L 189, 28.5.2021, pp. 34).

(2)  The register of Commission Expert groups: https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/home





ANNEX II

Main political references







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A New Strategic Agenda for the EU 2019–2024 (adopted on 20 June 2019)










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Communication from the Commission on A New European Agenda for Culture, 22 May 2018 (COM/2018/267 final)










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Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – Europe’s Media in the Digital Decade: An Action Plan to Support Recovery and Transformation (COM/2020/784 final)










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Concept on cultural heritage in conflicts and crises. A component for peace and security in European Union’s external action (April 2021)










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Conference on the Future of Europe, Report on the final outcome (May 2022)










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Consolidated version of the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union with special attention to Articles 8, 10 and 167 TFEU (OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 47)










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Convention on Offences relating to Cultural Property (2017)










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Council conclusions on ‘Europe’s Media in the Digital Decade: An Action Plan to Support Recovery and Transformation’ (OJ C 210, 3.6.2021; p. 1)










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Council conclusions on an EU strategic approach to international cultural relations and a framework for action (OJ C 192, 7.6.2019, p. 6)










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Council conclusions on Building a European Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries Ecosystem (OJ C 160, 13.4.2022, p. 13)










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Council conclusions on Cultural Governance (OJ C 393, 19.12.2012, p. 8)










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Council conclusions on culture, high-quality architecture and built environment as key elements of the New European Bauhaus initiative (OJ CI 501, 13.12.2021, p. 13)










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Council conclusions on EU approach to cultural heritage in conflicts and crisis (doc. 9837/21)










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Council conclusions on Reinforcing intercultural exchanges through the mobility of artists and cultural and creative professionals, and through multilingualism in the digital era (OJ C 160, 13.4.2022, p. 20)










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Council conclusions on risk management in the area of cultural heritage (OJ C 186, 5.6.2020, p. 1)










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Council conclusions on the recovery, resilience and sustainability of the cultural and creative sectors (OJ C 209, 2.6.2021, p. 3)










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Council conclusions on the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022 (OJ C 460, 21.12.2018; p. 12) and Report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee of the Regions on the Work Plan for Culture 2019–2022 (COM/2022/317 final)










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Council conclusions on young creative generations (OJ C 189, 5.6.2019, p. 34)










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Davos Declaration – Towards a high-quality Baukultur for Europe, 20–22 January 2018










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Decision (EU) 2017/864 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on a European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 (OJ L 131, 20.5.2017, p. 1)










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Declaration of the European Ministers responsible for Culture, Audiovisual and the Media, meeting in Angers on 7 and 8 March 2022










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EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020–2024 (JOIN/2020/5 final)










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European Cultural Heritage Green Paper, ‘Putting Europe’s shared heritage at the heart of the European Green Deal’ (March 2021)










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European Parliament resolution of 17 September 2020 on the cultural recovery of Europe (2020/2708(RSP))










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European Parliament resolution of 20 October 2021 on the situation of artists and the cultural recovery in the EU (2020/2261(INI))










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Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro Convention, 2005)










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G-20 Rome Leaders’ Declaration










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Joint Communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to the European Parliament and the Council – Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations (JOIN/2016/029 final)










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Ministerial declaration on culture in times of COVID-19 crisis (April 2020)










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Porto Santo Charter (2021)










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Recommendation CM/Rec (2017) to Member States on the European Cultural Heritage Strategy for the 21st century (2017)










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Regulation (EU) 2021/818 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 May 2021 establishing the Creative Europe Programme (2021 to 2027) (OJ L 189, 28.5.2021, p. 34)










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Resolution of the Council of the European Union and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council on the Cultural Dimension of Sustainable Development (OJ C 410, 6.12.2019, p. 1)










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Rome Charter (2020)










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Transforming our world: the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (A/RES/70/1)










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UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions










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UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, with regulations for the execution of the Convention (Hague, 14 May 1954)










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UNESCO Mondiacult Declaration for Culture (Mexico City, 30 September 2022)










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United Nations Security Council Resolution 2347 (UNESCO Digital Library, 2017, CL/4210)