On 15–16 October, EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the EU's long-term budget for 2028–2034. The Irish Presidency has proposed cutting AgoraEU, the funding programme supporting culture, media and civil society, from €8.58 billion to €6 billion.
Ahead of the meeting, ECNL joined more than 600 organisations and networks to call on Member States to reject the proposed cuts and protect the AgoraEU budget. The European Council discussions did not resolve the programme's future, and negotiations on the next MFF are continuing.
Why does protecting AgoraEU matter?
The proposed cuts would put at risk funding that helps sustain the organisations, networks and initiatives that strengthen Europe’s democracy and social resilience. More specifically:
- AgoraEU supports organisations and spaces that bring people living in the EU together, to make their voices heard and participate with equal opportunities and without discrimination.
- Organisations receiving the funding help people access reliable information, build trusted local networks, and understand their rights. This leads to people better navigating a digitalised society and sharing practical solutions to defend our democracies.
- Culture, film and audiovisual works preserve Europe’s cultural diversity and strengthen the common cultural ties that underpin the European project.
The proposed savings are only a small share of the overall EU budget, while the consequences for democratic resilience, cultural vitality and civic participation could be significant. AgoraEU is a critical infrastructure for the EU’s democratic future. It should be prioritised as such.
Read the open letter here: