Hélder Sousa Silva
Hélder Sousa Silva, Member of the European Parliament
Culture has often been treated as something secondary, as a supplementary area that can be set aside when more urgent issues arise, such as security, the economy or war. This simplistic and short-sighted view, which seeks to cut cultural budgets, becomes particularly evident in times of crisis such as those we are currently experiencing.
Yet it is precisely in moments of great tension or heightened conflict, such as those characterising the current European and global geopolitical context, that culture reveals itself as a fundamental pillar of our identity and cohesion. Culture is the cement that sustains societies. Although its structural role is often overlooked, underestimating it is a profound mistake, especially when culture itself is attacked and cultural heritage destroyed, as has been happening in Ukraine.
The destruction of cultural heritage is not merely a material loss. It constitutes an attack on the very soul of a nation and on the identity of a people. It is also an assault on Europe’s cultural roots. Unfortunately, in times of war, cultural heritage frequently becomes a strategic target.
Emblematic sites for Ukraine and for European culture, such as the Ivankiv Museum, the historic centre of Chernihiv, the historic centre and the Cathedral of Odesa, the Sviatohirsk Monastery, the Art Museum and University Library in Kharkiv, and the Mariupol Drama Theatre, have been struck by bombardments and have suffered significant damage. Many of these sites have been included, or are in the process of being included, on UNESCO’s list of heritage in danger. UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
These sites are not merely buildings or monuments. They are symbols of Ukraine’s identity and sovereignty. Their destruction seeks to erase history and to delegitimise the existence of a people. In this sense, culture is not only a reflection of the present but also a testimony to the past and to a country’s struggle to preserve its autonomy and its identity, projecting them into the future.
Beyond its symbolic significance, the cultural sector also has a relevant economic impact. It represents around 2 per cent of the European Union’s GDP and employs 3.8 per cent of its workforce. However, it is above all its social and political value that makes culture truly indispensable, as a force promoting a shared identity, the values and principles of the European Union, and as a unifying element in a context of increasing fragmentation and polarisation within European society.
It is within this context that the proposal for a Cultural Compass for Europe has emerged. It is built on five fundamental pillars designed to address the challenges facing culture. These include strengthening the sector’s competitiveness, guaranteeing freedom of expression, preserving cultural heritage, responding to the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and improving working conditions for artists and cultural professionals.
The connection between these pillars and the stability and resilience of the European Union is clear, particularly in a context marked by polarisation and disinformation. Safeguarding freedom of expression and strengthening the cultural sector are essential to protecting democratic integrity and European values, because war is not fought only with weapons. It is also fought through information.
The proliferation of false and manipulative narratives, amplified by social media and by malicious actors, erodes citizens’ trust in democratic institutions and in the European project. In this context, cultural education, exposure to different artistic expressions and the promotion of European values and identity become essential in enabling citizens to critically interpret the information they consume. Culture and the arts therefore create spaces for reflection and debate that are indispensable for building an active and informed citizenship.
However, for culture to fully perform this structural role, a strong commitment to support and funding from both Member States and the European Union is required. At present, the European approach to cultural funding remains fragmented and, in many cases, insufficient.
Although primary responsibility in this field lies with the Member States, this should not limit action at the European level. In line with the principle of subsidiarity, the European Union has an important role to play in coordinating efforts, encouraging transnational cooperation and strengthening the contribution of culture to Europe’s resilience.
The Cultural Compass for Europe was designed to harness the full potential of culture for individuals, societies and territories, ensuring that culture remains central to European unity, diversity and excellence. For this reason, the involvement and participation of all stakeholders will be essential to ensure that the strategy currently being developed is inclusive, sustainable and representative.
Nevertheless, for the Cultural Compass to produce tangible results, it cannot remain merely a statement of good intentions. The lack of alignment between the various financial and legislative instruments has been one of the main obstacles to the development of the sector. Without a significant reinforcement of funding and greater coherence between support mechanisms, culture will continue to remain vulnerable to economic and political crises.
More than a guiding instrument, the Cultural Compass for Europe must redefine the place of culture in European policy, establishing a structured commitment that enables the cultural and creative sectors to thrive. The European Union’s ability to address contemporary challenges, from the digital transition to the fight against disinformation, to strengthen its resilience and to promote competitiveness and innovation, depends directly on reinforcing culture as a fundamental element of the European integration process.
Taking this commitment seriously could represent a genuine turning point, consolidating culture as a central pillar of European identity and strengthening its role in building a more cohesive, inclusive, innovative and resilient society.
