Interview: Tighter culture budgets for many countries
Henrik Selin, Counsellor for Cultural Affairs in Brussels, comments on the situation as regards the EU and culture.
What is the situation as regards culture in Europe?
Unfortunately culture is also suffering in the wake of the economic crisis. Many of my colleagues tell of very severe cutbacks in national culture budgets. Cultural policy does not seem to be receiving special treatment but has to contribute to budget restructuring to about the same extent as other areas. Some years ago it was mainly countries of the former eastern bloc that were forced to make large-scale cutbacks, but today the misfortune is evenly spread across Europe. In countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain cutbacks of up to 30 per cent are being reported and the bottom has by no means been reached.
Does the EU have a cultural policy?
Absolutely. For many people, mentioning a European cultural policy is like a red rag to a bull. And this is true on one level. EU cooperation is ultimately built on respect for the diversity of cultures that Europe constitutes and there is no harmonisation of legislation. But in the last ten years EU policy has taken on more common features. The Cultural Agenda with three objectives now informs everything the EU does in the area. And the Member States have set up several expert groups regularly tasked with identifying and spreading good examples and submitting policy proposals, such as how cultural institutions can better reach their audiences, better support to cultural and creative industries and a more strategic role for culture in EU external relations.
Can a small country like Sweden affect the EU's direction?
Yes. At present Sweden has a great advantage from recently holding the Presidency. We know the EU system well, the other Member States know us and Sweden is still regarded in many areas of cultural life as a country with good practice. In addition, we do not work alone, it is always a matter of seeking like-minded people with whom to pursue issues of common interest.
What is most important just now?
In the autumn the Commission proposal for the next Culture and MEDIA programme for 2014-2020 will be presented and then our negotiations will intensify. For example, we must safeguard resources for the culture and media sector, make it simpler to apply for funds and implement projects and create better conditions for supporting the creative sector even in other areas, such as innovation policy and policy for business and regional development.
