As Europe approaches pivotal policy shifts in 2025, the political landscape within the EU is undergoing rapid transformation. Heightened geopolitical tensions and shifting priorities in areas like security, innovation, and economic resilience are influencing the direction of key policy discussions.

These changes will have significant implications for the cultural and creative sectors, including the performing arts.

In partnership with EU networks for culture, EDN participates in consultations and endorses advocacy campaigns that underline the sector’s unique contributions and urgent needs.

Ask – Pay – Trust

Culture Action Europe’s campaign calls for arts and culture to be placed at the heart of changemaking during a time of division and crises.

‣ Ask for our expertise: Artists and cultural professionals should be part of every policy discussion, bringing creativity and innovative approaches to the table.

‣ Pay for our labour: Ensure decent working conditions and fair remuneration for the use of intellectual property. Invest in culture to help build a more resilient Europe.

‣ Trust our process: Recognise that the process of creation and artistic research may not always follow linear paths, but it consistently leads to profound impact.

Artistic Research

ELIA has published a series of recommendations for the European Union’s upcoming research and innovation funding programme. It is crucial for higher education and research institutions that EU funding instruments recognise the arts as a domain of knowledge and support excellence in artistic research.

Performing Arts Coalition

Five performing arts networks - ASSITEJ, Circostrada, EDN, EFA, and IETM, have joined forces as the Performing Arts Coalition to advocate for the sector’s shared needs.

Our first policy action focuses on the freedom of artistic expression, cultural rights, and access to performing arts for audiences and creators.

Creators Call for Action

Creators for Europe United is a coalition of European creatives urging the EU to protect cultural rights amid AI advancements. Their open letter demands transparency, fair remuneration, and enforcement of copyright laws to safeguard Europe's creative industries and cultural identity.

Digital Ethics

Several European networks, platforms and projects have joined the Reset's initiative, calling on the European Commission to take meaningful steps to ensure digital independence for Europe’s cultural and media sectors. This includes safeguarding diversity, promoting ethical alternatives, and reducing dependence on dominant tech platforms.

Arts & Disability

The European Arts & Disability Cluster (ADICLUS) has issued a Position Paper, offering recommendations on how the European Union can and must act to reduce discrimination against artists, cultural workers and audiences with disabilities. 

Culture Compass

Culture Compass is set to succeed the current Work Plan for Culture and will play a key role in shaping the tools available to the EU in the cultural sector.

EDN took part in the high-level sector consultation, hosted by the European Commission, advocating for contemporary dance culture and its transformative impact on societies.

Artists, creatives, organisations, and policymakers are invited to contribute to the EU Culture Compass’ public consultation until 13 May 2025.

Creative Europe

As discussions begin around the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), there are rumours that Creative Europe may not continue as a standalone programme in the next EU budget cycle.

With budgetary focus shifting to large-scale strategic areas, there is a risk that the cultural sector could be sidelined.

In partnership with the networks coordination group, chaired by Culture Action Europe, we strongly advocate for the preservation of Creative Europe and for culture to remain embedded within Horizon Europe and Erasmus+, ensuring that dance and performing arts remain visible and valued across funding streams.