(L-R) Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport; Eric Thill, Luxembourg’s Minister of Culture; Credit: MCULT

On Friday 14 March 2025, Luxembourg’s Minister of Culture, Eric Thill, met with Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport at the Ministry of Culture premises in Luxembourg-Ville.

In a press release, the Ministry of Culture confirmed that Minister Thill and Commissioner Micallef discussed the upcoming projects of the Commissioner, as well as the future direction of European cultural policy.

During the meeting, Commissioner Micallef presented one of the flagship projects of his mandate: the development of the "Culture Compass," a long-term strategic framework aimed at defining a coherent vision for the multiple dimensions of culture in Europe. One week before the official launch of consultations on this project, he outlined the main themes that could be included, including the working conditions of artists and cultural professionals, well-being and mental health, regional development and the promotion of cultural and creative industries as drivers of Europe's global competitiveness.

According to the press release, Minister Thill emphasised that this initiative should not be limited to an administrative framework, but offer a clear and pragmatic vision of the fundamental role of culture in the European project. He also made the connection with ongoing discussions at the national level, highlighting current and future projects and work on similar themes. Assuring the Commissioner of his full support, Minister Thill reaffirmed Luxembourg's commitment to a strong and ambitious European cultural policy: "Faced with today's global challenges, it is more essential than ever to work together for a strong and visible culture."

Discussions also focused on the Creative Europe programme, the only European funding programme exclusively dedicated to culture. As negotiations for the post-2027 programming period approach, Minister Thill stressed the importance of ensuring better access to funding for small cultural organisations and independent artists.

Minister Thill and Commissioner Micallef also discussed European support for Ukraine and its cultural and creative sector. Minister Thill detailed the actions already taken by the Ministry of Culture in this area and reiterated the importance of a coordinated, rapid and concrete response.

HOM