European groups demand budget protection for AgoraEU

A coalition of European advocacy organizations has urged the European Council to maintain a strong budget for the AgoraEU program as it prepares the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). The open letter, signed by groups like the "Future of Europe" Initiative and the European Federation of Journalists, criticizes proposed cuts to AgoraEU funding by the Irish presidency, which would reduce the program's budget by 8%.

Proposed cuts seen as disproportionate

The signatories argue that the proposed budget cuts for AgoraEU are unjustified and disproportionate, noting that the reduction would only save 0.2% of the overall EU budget. The European Commission has proposed a budget of 8.58 billion euros for AgoraEU, which the letter describes as a minimum requirement for sectors like culture, media, and civil society.

AgoraEU's role in democratic resilience

The letter emphasizes the importance of AgoraEU in promoting democratic resilience, information integrity, and social cohesion. These factors are seen as essential for maintaining Europe's sovereignty, competitiveness, and innovation. The program is also highlighted as a key component in supporting local empowerment and democratic values across the continent.

Public support for cultural and democratic values

According to the letter, 42% of Europeans cite the protection of democracy and fundamental values as the main reason for their trust in the EU, surpassing concerns about external threats. Additionally, 87% of Europeans believe that cultural exchanges should be a priority in the EU, as they foster a shared European identity across borders.

Cultural sector's economic and social impact

The signatories highlight the role of European culture in building a common sense of belonging. They note that the cultural sector employs 8.9 million people in the EU, which is more than the combined workforce in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. This underscores the economic importance of supporting cultural and creative industries.

AgoraEU's role in combating disinformation

The letter points out that two-thirds of Europeans have encountered disinformation in the past seven days, emphasizing the need for AgoraEU to address this issue, especially in isolated and economically disadvantaged areas affected by the "media desert." The signatories call for a stable and ambitious MFF from 2028 to 2034 to ensure the program can continue supporting European competitiveness and security through shared values.