Culture Compass: No generation or territory left behind

Local and regional leaders agreed that Europe needs to step up intergenerational fairness and stressed that the EU's cultural strategy needs to serve local communities.

The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) held a debate at its plenary session with Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, on 13 October. The debate focused on the need for intergenerational fairness, and for the EU's cultural strategy to be grounded in territorial implementation, multilevel governance and stronger, more predictable funding.

Regions and cities welcomed the 'Culture Compass for Europe' and the key role it gives them in its implementation. However, the opinion on the 'Culture Compass', drafted by Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP), mayor of Gabrovo Municipality, highlights concerns about the increasing centralisation of funding within the future multiannual financial framework and the national and regional partnership plans, and stresses the need to safeguard decentralised, territorially accessible cultural funding. It calls for a shift away from fragmented short-term project support towards multiannual, flexible and small-scale instruments accessible to smaller cultural actors, including in rural, border and demographically vulnerable areas.

A strategic public good, not a sectoral policy

The CoR argues that culture and cultural heritage should be recognised as strategic public goods that contribute to democracy, sustainability, competitiveness and social and territorial cohesion. It also points out that culture is still not sufficiently reflected in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Members insist that local and regional authorities should be regarded as strategic partners and co-creators rather than merely as delivery agents. They ask the European Commission to systematically assess the territorial impact of future EU cultural initiatives and funding instruments.

Local and regional leaders consider that investment in culture is also an investment in defending and strengthening democracy in Europe. The opinion describes cultural venues, heritage sites and participatory cultural activities as essential local democratic infrastructure, particularly in rural, remote and disadvantaged areas. Members further underline the importance of ensuring the participation of national, ethnic and linguistic minorities in cultural life.

Cities and regions urge the EU institutions to ensure practical synergies between the Culture Compass and the European Democracy Shield. They also welcome the Joint Declaration 'Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe' adopted by the EU Member States, the European Parliament and the European Commission in June 2026, suggesting that it be endorsed by the CoR and the European Economic and Social Committee as well.

The CoR is also seeking clear rules on attribution, licensing and remuneration in governance frameworks for artificial intelligence (AI), so that artists and the cultural and creative sectors retain meaningful control over how their works are used and recognised. The opinion adds that resilient cultural ecosystems require fair working conditions, remuneration and social protection for cultural professionals.

The Pledge for Intergenerational Fairness

At the debate, Commissioner Micallef launched the 'Voices of the Future' initiative, a call for fair policymaking, for ensuring fair opportunities and for building fair places. Together with CoR President Kata Tüttő, the Commissioner invited members to become allies in achieving this by signing the newly created Pledge on Intergenerational Fairness. 

The pledge follows the EU Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness adopted on 5 March 2026, and builds on the corresponding CoR opinion adopted in 2025 (Tine Radinja/Greens+Pro), acknowledging that where people live strongly influences their opportunities and that local and regional authorities are essential to delivering targeted, place-based action. It calls on local and regional authorities to adopt a forward-looking approach to policymaking, consider the long-term effects on future generations, and strengthen cooperation and solidarity across age groups. Its commitments include supporting innovative housing models, strengthening sustainable development, enhancing access to health and care services and involving all generations in structured democratic participation practices.

By signing the Pledge, local and regional leaders make a visible commitment to turn this ambition into practice: promoting fair policymaking, fair opportunities and fair places, local and regional authorities are central actors in breaking cycles of intergenerational disadvantage while building the foundations for future generations to thrive.

European Capitals of Culture 2027

The plenary session also turned the spotlight on Liepāja (Latvia) and Évora (Portugal), the European Capitals of Culture for 2027. Gunārs Ansiņš, mayor of Liepāja City Council, and Carlos Zorrinho, mayor of Évora, presented the central ideas behind the European Capital of Culture year in their cities.

Quotes:

• Kata Tüttő, President of the European Committee of the Regions: "Today, Commissioner Micallef chose our Plenary to launch the pledges for intergenerational fairness, a direct follow up to the opinion we adopted on this very topic in 2025. By signing these pledges, we restate our commitment to build a fairer future for all generations. We commit to long-term planning, sustainable development and quality public services, and we also want to ensure access of all generations in meaningful and inclusive cultural activities. The Capital of Culture and the Culture Compass put in the spotlight of our exchanges today show the way, we will stay the course!"
• Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport: "Having experienced Valletta 2018, I know the pride and possibilities a European Capital of Culture can bring. As Liepāja and Évora prepare for 2027, our ambition is to help cities build a legacy that lasts: spaces for culture, opportunities for local artists and communities brought closer together, benefiting people today and generations to come."
• Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP), Mayor of Gabrovo Municipality and rapporteur: "The Culture Compass rightly recognises culture as a cornerstone of Europe’s identity, democratic values and prosperity. The Committee of the Region’s opinion calls for this shared ambition to be translated into tangible results across all territories, with local and regional authorities fully recognised as partners in shaping and implementing cultural policies. By ensuring equal opportunities for cultural participation and sustained, accessible investment, we can strengthen Europe’s cultural diversity, reinforce social cohesion and empower communities to shape their own future."

Background:

• Photos and videos of the Plenary Session.
  

• Pledge for Intergenerational Fairness

• Adopted by the European Commission on 12 November 2025, the Culture Compass for Europe is a strategic framework designed to integrate culture into European Union policy-making.

• Joint Declaration ‘Europe for Culture - Culture for Europe’.

Contact

Víctor Moreno Morales de Setién
Tel: +32 475999662
victor.morenomoralesdesetien@cor.europa.eu