Minister Lopes,
Mayor Albergaria,
President Sequeira,
Distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends,

Thank you for the invitation to speak here today. It is a true privilege to be in the Área Metropolitana do Porto.

A region where cultural identity, tradition, and creativity are celebrated, and actively lived.

A fitting place to reflect on the role of culture and cultural networks in our societies and in a rapidly changing world.

Let me start with a simple truth: Culture is not a luxury. It is not a privilege reserved for the few. It is a necessity.

Culture is central to our identity. It is the thread that weaves our shared values. It grounds us in times of uncertainty, gives us voice,  and helps us make sense of who we are — individually and collectively.

In a world that is defined by fast-paced technological change, deepening inequality, a climate crisis, and even war, culture remains one of our most vital resources. Culture grounds us. Culture connects us. Culture gives us hope

and purpose. We see this power of culture all around us —and  it is also very vivid right here in the Porto Metropolitan Area. A region that exemplifies how local identities can thrive within a larger shared spirit. 

Whether its the vibrant São João celebrations that electrify Porto each summer, the medieval traditions of Santa Maria da Feira, or the literary and musical heritage of Amarante — culture here is not confined to museums

or monuments. It breathes through the streets, the festivals, the stories, and the daily lives of people.

This region shows us something vital: Culture is not about preserving the past. It is about living the past,

the present, and the future -  in community, in creation. Each municipality adds its voice to a broader harmony —
one that respects difference while building common ground.This mosaic of languages, traditions, and expressions fosters intercultural dialogue and social cohesion across urban and rural landscapes alike.

This is not just a poetic sentiment. It is a model. A model of how culture can builds bridges, where politics and policy sometimes fall short.Its a living example of why Europe is and must remain a global cultural powerhouse. 

And thats why this is the perfect moment and the perfect setting to have a conversation. A serious, strategic conversation,

about the role of culture and cultural cooperation at the local, national, and European levels. And this is the right moment, especially now in a time defined by:

• Rapid technological shifts, which bring both opportunity and risk;
• Profound demographic changes across our societies;
• A cost-of-living crisis that pressures everyday lives;
• Soaring housing difficulties;
• A silent, creeping mental health crisis, especially among our youth;
• And above all, a time of war.

Yes, war —not just of territory, but a war of ideas. A war of disinformation. A war on our values.

A war on climate science. A war on culture and artistic freedom. That is why we are here today. Because in this context, culture is not just a footnote. It is not background music to political summits. It is frontline strategy.

And it must be a frontline strategy. So, in my intervention today, I would like to focus on three key points:

A. Cultures contribution to our societies and democracies

B. The importance of cultural cooperation

C. The next steps – a compass for the future

A. Cultures contribution to our societies and democracies

Victor Hugo once said: “Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come.”

Revolutions, peace movements, and social progress have all been driven by ideas by culture. That, stirs the human spirit. And in todays world, those ideas matter more than ever. Winston Churchill once remarked: “To each, home is the foundation of their being... the image of everything that a man fights for.” Culture is that idea of “home.” It is our heritage, our stories, our sense of belonging. It is worth defending.

Especially and more importantly in times of conflict.

Allow me to share a personal reflection. One that has profoundly shaped my thinking. During a visit to Ukraine,

I witnessed firsthand how culture is under deliberate attack. Russian forces are not just targeting infrastructure —

they are strategically targeting cultural sites. This is not collateral damage. It is a calculated effort to undermine identity, unity, and morale.

I heard stories like that of Andriy Lyubka, a Ukrainian writer and poet, who spoke to me about his friend Maksym.

Maksym was a gifted artist and philosopher who left his creative work to defend Ukraine.

He died a volunteer soldier. He died fighting not for territory, but for values — for culture, for freedom, for democracy.

This is why we must never treat culture as something secondary. Too often, in high-level political discussions,

culture is used to fill the gaps in programmes a performance at dinner, a heritage site visit, a symbolic nod to local tradition.

But culture is and must not be a decorative afterthought. It is a strategic enabler. It is a foundation upon which we can build resilient, inclusive, and creative societies. 

We must say this clearly: Whenever democracy is under attack, culture is always the primary target. Which is why culture must be a primary defense.

Let us take inspiration from this region —not only to protect cultural life, but to activate it as a force for solidarity.

For innovation. And for democratic renewal across Europe.

B. The importance of cultural cooperation

This brings me to my second point: cultural cooperation. Cultural networks — many of which are represented here today — are the lifeblood of the European project. They connect artists, thinkers, communities, and institutions.

They enable local initiatives in remote areas to link with larger movements, giving visibility to those who might otherwise remain unheard. They build bridges across generations. They foster peer-to-peer learning.

They strengthen Europe from the ground up. You are not just transmitters of art —you are architects of dialogue,engineers of empathy, and guardians of freedom.But for culture to thrive,

the right conditions must be in place.

Culture must not be an afterthought in public policy. It must be at the core of how we imagine our economies,

our societies, and our place in the world. National authorities, municipalities, regional bodies, EU institutions,

and networks like yours — we must all work together. We must all take forward this shared mission.

C. The Next Steps – A Cultural Compass for Europe

To guide this work, we need direction. We need a compass. A Culture Compass for Europe.

A cultural compass build with four clear directions: 

1. Values — above all, artistic freedom There is no culture without freedom. And no democracy without culture.

As Article 13 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights states: “The arts and scientific research shall be free of constraint.” This is not an abstract principle. It is a living precondition for the creation, preservation, and enjoyment of culture. At a time when freedom of expression is under attack — even within some parts of our continent — we must reaffirm our non-negotiable cmmitment to artistic freedom and freedom of artistic expression.

2. People It is often said that culture doesnt pay the rent. That its a luxury. But let me be clear: Culture must pay the rent. It creates jobs, powers local economies, inspires tourism, and drives innovation. But more than that — it builds pride. It builds cohesion. And it builds trust. That is why improving the working conditions of artists and cultural professionals is one of my core priorities. Because there is no art without artists. No culture without cultural professionals. 

3. Transformation; Two transformations stand out: Technology, Climate. Emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence present new tools — and new risks. We must ensure that culture is not left behind. This means supporting digital skills, implementing safeguards like those in the AI Act, and ensuring that artists can thrive — not be replaced — in this new ecosystem. On climate, cultural heritage is literally under threat.

Floods, fires, and extreme weather events are damaging our monuments, our archives, and our traditions.

But culture can also be a force for change, helping communities understand whats at stake 

And more importantly how to act. 

4. Relations; Culture must be at the heart of our external policy. From neighbourhood to enlargement,

from diplomacy to development, culture helps us build mutual understanding, create partnerships, and above all contribute to peace.

Its not a soft addition. Its a strategic pillar of a strong, stable and democratic Europe. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

Access to culture is a human right. It must not only exist in capital cities or elite circles. It must thrive in every village, every region, every community. And here I want to end with a quote from Bono: “Europe is a thought that needs to become a feeling.” That feeling happens through culture. Let me give one last example — from Naples, Italy.

In the Rione Sanità neighbourhood,  long marked by neglect, I visited a group of young people that founded

the La Paranza Cooperative. They restored the Catacombs of San Gennaro, turning a site of death into a symbol

of rebirth and hope. Today, they host hundreds of thousands of visitors and reinvest in education, employment,

and most importantly in giving hope.

That is culture.
That is power.
That is what happens when culture is rooted in community.And this is just one example of many that we have in Europe. URNA in Malta is another example and there are so many more.

So let us work together.

• To fund culture.
• To defend it.
• To live it.

Not as an ornament to society, but as its beating heart. Let us remember: Ideas — and culture — win peace.

Thank you. Lets go forward, together. United, resilient, and inspired.