An ambitious European framework for mobility in the cultural sector: this is recommended by a study commissioned by the European Parliament and presented on Wednesday 10 October in the European Parliament's committee on culture. Its advantages? Preserve European democratic values and promote cultural diversity in a context of emerging nationalist and Eurosceptic movements.
In particular, the study suggests setting up a dedicated mobility programme that adds value to existing national and regional programmes and continuing and improving cooperation between member states on mobility issues, including by reviewing existing regulatory obstacles to mobility at EU level.
Redoubling efforts
The 55-page study, carried out by the consulting and research firm KEA European Affairs, notes that "the limited overall funding and dispersed opportunities available at the level of the EU do not correspond to the importance given to the mobility of artists and cultural professionals at the level EU policy". In addition, it shows a high degree of fragmentation between the different member states.
In this context, it recommends in particular that the EU develop a dedicated mobility programme. This system should be accessible to all EU member states, candidate countries and EU strategic partners in the context of the EU's external relations policy. It should give priority to innovative, experimental and/or multidisciplinary mobility projects involving potential beneficiaries from distant countries.
Pilot project
It should be recalled that mobility in the field of culture is one of the priorities of the new agenda for culture and the future Creative Europe programme (2021-2027). At the request of the European Parliament, the European Commission has already launched a pilot mobility project for the years 2018-2019 as part of the current Creative Europe programme. However, the study warns that the pilot project's budget and the constraints affecting its implementation limit its potential, given that its duration is limited to one year and that the available budget underestimates the degree of financial control and management required to manage the 500 individuals required. Link to the study: https://bit.ly/2Pryr0Y. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)