13
Dec
2022
Watch
Implementation of the New European Agenda for Culture and the EU Strategy for International Cultural Relations (debate)
Mr President, Commissioner, the political priorities of the European Union in the cultural field must first be to give culture the centrality it deserves. In this regard, we welcome the fact that we have this particular debate, and that what we have now and not on the last item of the agenda, as often happens when we talk about culture in this Chamber. In terms of cultural policies, we have a lot of work ahead of us. A status of the artist, which contributes to the best working conditions and remuneration for all cultural workers, is a priority. And so is promoting a culture model that recognizes that women, migrants, racialized people, LGTBIQ+ are not only recipients, but also active creators of culture. But cultural policies must be open and democratic, not only in Europe but also in its external project. The European Union cannot relate to the world from a Eurocentric or neocolonial model, because culture is just the opposite: is to build bridges, transform power relationships and contribute to creative ways of addressing collective challenges.