This article was originally published by IETM - International Network of Contemporary Performing Arts.

Make your voice heard if you think Creative Europe deserves a future

Creative Europe has been a vital instrument in fostering cooperation among cultural organisations across 40 countries, driving innovative projects, showcasing Europe’s cultural diversity, and influencing national cultural policies.

As the EU prepares to negotiate its future budget - the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 - the future of Creative Europe remains uncertain. There is no guarantee that the programme will continue beyond 2027.

On 12 February, the European Commission published the Communication on ‘The Road to the Next Multiannual Financial Framework’, outlining a new approach to a modern EU budget, likely to be structured around three key axes:

1. National reform and investment plans

Each EU country should develop a plan detailing key reforms and investments, designed and implemented in collaboration with national, regional, and local authorities.

2. European Competitiveness Fund

A dedicated investment capacity should be established to support strategic sectors and critical technologies, reinforcing the EU’s global competitiveness.

3. Revamped external action financing

External funding should be more impactful, targeted, and aligned with the Union’s strategic interests.

The European Commission will present its formal proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework in July 2025.

Where will culture fit in this new structure?

Public Consultation on the Future of the EU Budget

Before decisions are made and new programmes are shaped - whether culture is integrated, dispersed across multiple programmes, or excluded altogether - we all have the opportunity to make our voices heard. 

The European Commission has launched a public consultation inviting stakeholders and citizens to share their views on the future EU budget and the policies it should support.

As citizens, civil society organisations, researchers, and businesses from all sectors will try to influence the future EU budget, we must ensure strong representation for the cultural sector.

How to participate

You can click here to access the survey. But here are a few things to keep in mind before you start:

• The process is not the most straightforward. It takes you through two pages of reports before reaching the actual survey. Please don’t give up - your input is valuable!
• You need an EU portal account to complete the survey. If you or your colleagues have dealt with Creative Europe before, you may already have one. Otherwise, please create an account in advance (you will be brought to the right page from the survey to do so).
• A verification process is required before you receive a copy of the survey in PDF format.
• Good news! Most survey questions have predefined answer choices (multiple-choice or rating scales). There’s also an open-ended section where you can share additional thoughts. Fortunately, this isn’t the longest survey we’ve ever been asked to complete!

Complete the survey by 6 May 2025

Let’s ensure a strong cultural presence in the future EU budget!