Culture – Implementing EU international cultural relations
In most EU Member States, Cultural Diplomacy has long been an established component of external action. At European Union level, however, it has only more recently developed into a structured and strategic policy area.
The adoption of the Joint Communication “Towards an EU strategy for international cultural relations” (8 June 2016) and the Council Conclusions on an EU strategic approach to international cultural relations (8 April 2019) marked a turning point, providing a clear framework for coordinated EU action.
In Focus
Introduction
The current geopolitical situation calls for active engagement to avoid a “clash of civilizations” scenario and move toward a more inclusive perspective, a renewed global “community of sense”, which recognizes diverse and non-Western forms of knowledge. This requires working collectively toward the shaping of shared values and common rules. International cultural relations can contribute to such a shift as they embrace multiple, non-European perspectives, promote meaningful links between culture and development and engage in protecting cultural heritage.
The EU approach to international cultural relations introduces therefore a paradigm shift from traditional cultural promotion or “showcasing” European cultural soft power, to mutual exchange, people-to-people engagement, and co-creation. This reflects a broader understanding of culture as a driver of sustainable development, social cohesion, and international cooperation.
EU strategy is currently structured around three main priorities:
- Supporting culture as an engine for sustainable social and economic development;
- Promoting culture and intercultural dialogue to foster peaceful inter-community relations;
- Reinforcing cooperation on cultural heritage.
These priorities are implemented through concrete initiatives, including pilot projects and the European Spaces of Culture, initially a preparatory action, which have already demonstrated tangible results on the ground and strengthened partnerships with local stakeholders worldwide.
This work is supported by a robust and evolving policy framework. Key reference documents include the EU Strategy for International Cultural Relations (2016) ; the Council Conclusions on International Cultural Relations (2019) and the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023–2026. Additional guidance is provided by broader EU cultural and development frameworks, such as the New Agenda for Culture (2018), the New European Consensus on Development (2017) and the European Framework for Action on Cultural Heritage.
The strategic direction of EU cultural action is further articulated through the Cultural Compass, marking a turning point in the autumn of 2025, which identifies four key priorities: safeguarding cultural rights and values; empowering cultural actors; strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the cultural and creative sectors; and advancing international cultural relations. It also highlights the central role of the High Representative/Vice-President and positions EU Delegations as key drivers of cultural partnerships around the world.
At regional level, the Pact for the Mediterranean introduces a renewed framework for cooperation with partner countries, with a strong emphasis on cultural exchange and people-to-people connections.
More recently, on 16 December 2025, the European Commission presented its vision for the future of the New European Bauhaus. The Communication “New European Bauhaus: From Vision to Implementation” sets out concrete actions to scale up the initiative and strengthen its role as a driver of the green transition, innovation, and international outreach.
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Partners and procedures
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Cultural diversity is one of the defining features of the European Union and its Member States. It represents both a shared heritage and a strategic asset to strengthen cultural relations beyond EU borders, connect people worldwide, promote shared values, and foster mutual understanding. Within this context, the European External Action Service (EEAS) plays a leading role in shaping and advancing the EU’s international cultural relations. It does so by working in close partnership with a broad network of actors, including the European Commission, EU Member States, and EUNIC – the network of national institutes for culture of the EU Member States. Through these partnerships, the EEAS promotes collaborative cultural engagement across regions. In particular, EUNIC contributes to the implementation of transnational cultural initiatives worldwide through its 35 members and more than 125 local clusters. Supported by Cultural Focal Points within EU Delegations, they actively engage with local stakeholders, including artists, cultural institutions, and creative industries. The EEAS approach to international cultural relations is guided by key principles:
In addition, the Cultural Relations Platform (CRP), an EU-funded initiative since 2020, supports the EEAS and its partners by providing policy advice, facilitating networking, engaging with cultural stakeholders, and delivering training programmes for cultural leadership. In line with its commitment to effective multilateralism, the EEAS also works closely with key international organisations such as the Council of Europe and UNESCO, reinforcing cooperation in the cultural domain at global level. This collaboration is further strengthened through Memoranda of Understanding with UNESCO and with EUNIC, providing a structured framework for joint action and strategic cooperation. For further insights into the cultural dimension of EU external action, in collaboration with EU institutions, you may consult:
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Telling examples
In February 2018 the EU and UNESCO signed a three-year project agreement to promote social cohesion and reconciliation in Iraq through the restoration and reconstruction of historic urban landscapes in Mosul and Basra. The projects go along with job creation and skills development, especially among young people, internally displaced persons and returnees.
Tfanen - Tunisie Créative supports the strengthening and capacity building of local cultural actors in Tunisia. It promotes cultural diversity, access to culture, freedom of expression and creation among young people. The programme also aims to strengthen civil society, facilitate sustainable professionalization of the cultural sector and reinforcement of the role of culture as a vector for social cohesion at local, regional and national level.
EU Cultural Relations in Action
The EU participates in major international and regional initiatives to deliver public diplomacy around the world. Notable examples include the EU participation to the Guadalajara International Book Fair and Expo 2025 Osaka. These projects showcase the EU’s values, creativity, and innovation on the global stage, while fostering co-creation and dialogue with audiences worldwide.
By offering a rich cultural programme on the occasion of the Europe Day at our Headquarters and in EU Delegations around the world, we invite citizens to dialogue with us on EU foreign policy.
We organise European film festivals in various parts of the world combined with a series of discussions, side events, exhibitions and film industry business to business seminars.
