Culture Unites, Latest Eurobarometer Shows

Culture unites citizens and fosters integration. According to a new Eurobarometer survey by the European Commission, citizens strongly support cultural exchange, artistic freedom, and fair working conditions for artists. They also call for a stronger EU role in protecting heritage and addressing the impact of new technologies.

Culture, our life and our history

87% of respondents believe that culture and cultural exchange should have an important place in the EU to make citizens feel more European. 86% say cultural heritage is important for Europe, affirming that culture is valued not only in current life but also as part of the past. A similar percentage of respondents indicate that culture and the arts are important for welfare and economic development.

Artistic freedom is valued, but perceptions vary

Artistic freedom remains a pillar of democratic societies, and 88% of Europeans said it matters to them. 77% believe that artists can freely express their ideas and opinions without fear of censorship or government retaliation. However, perceptions of artistic freedom vary among Member States.

Almost half of Europeans engage in artistic activities

49% of respondents reported participating in artistic activities in the past 12 months, a significant increase from 2013 when the figure was 37%.

Citizens express concern about AIs impact and artists pay

At the same time, 73% of surveyed Europeans are concerned that the rise of generative AI may affect employment or earnings for artists. Less than half of Europeans (48%) said they could distinguish between AI-created art and human-made art. More broadly, fair pay remains an issue: only 51% believe artists in their country generally receive fair and appropriate compensation for their work.

Public backs stronger EU role in culture

Europeans also believe their country and the EU should work more closely on cultural policy, with top priorities being:

making the arts more accessible;
protecting cultural heritage sites during wars, natural disasters, or climate change;
ensuring artists and cultural workers have fair pay and good working conditions.

Background

The results of todays Special Eurobarometer will assist in preparing the Culture Compass for Europe, the Commissions upcoming strategic framework for EU cultural policy, expected later in 2025. Additionally, a call for evidence on the Culture Compass is open for feedback until May 13.

The survey was conducted from February to April 2025, collecting responses from over 26,300 EU citizens. The full detailed report and fact sheets for each of the 27 EU Member States have been published on the Eurobarometer website today.