The Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni<\/b> participated in the work of the Council of Ministers of Education, Youth, Culture and Sport of the European Union<\/b>.<\/p>\n
The proceedings took place in Brussels<\/b>, under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. <\/p>\n
In the context of the meetings on the Culture sector, the Minister presented the Greek positions on the critical issues that are reshaping the European cultural landscape, with particular emphasis on the geopolitical dimension of culture<\/b>, the digital transition<\/b> and the need to armour creators<\/b> against the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence<\/b>.<\/p>\n
The Minister of Culture<\/b> was first of all asked about the regulation of the “AgoraEU”<\/b> programme, which aims to strengthen cross-border cooperation, protect linguistic diversity and support fundamental rights. The programme places particular emphasis on the audiovisual sector and on strengthening independent producers, recognising their role in cultural pluralism.<\/p>\n
Lina Mendoni<\/b> said: “AgoraEU is not only a financial tool. It is a substantial political investment in the European idea itself<\/b>. Strengthening cross-border cultural cooperation, supporting creators and protecting cultural and linguistic diversity are cornerstones for a Europe without discrimination.” At the same time, he stressed that the new programme requires a specific and ambitious budget, as well as the creation of Granters in each Member State<\/b>, which will act as contact and support points for artists, creators and cultural operators, facilitating their access to European funding instruments. He also made special reference to the importance of supporting the European audiovisual sector<\/b> in the face of increasing global competition, in conditions that ensure Europe’s cultural specificity, the strengthening of independent producers and co-producers and the emergence of new talent. The Minister of Culture also noted that Greece, as a Member State and as the future country holding the Presidency in the second half of 2027, will actively contribute to ensuring that the AgoraEU<\/b> programme remains accessible and effective.<\/p>\n
Referring to the Work Programme for Culture 2027-2030<\/b>, the Minister underlined that the debate is taking place at a time when Europe is being called upon to redefine culture as a critical factor in the resilience and defence of its citizens. Lina Mendoni said: “The new programme should focus on strengthening cultural resilience<\/b> against natural disasters and armed conflicts, as well as ensuring the sustainability of the sector. It must create a coherent and flexible European framework capable of protecting cultural heritage<\/b>, enhancing creative production and promoting cultural diversity.<\/p>\n
The minister noted that Europe needs a cultural policy that ensures that human dignity and cultural pluralism remain at the core of the European project, noting that culture cannot be treated as a partial public policy area but as a crucial factor for democratic cohesion and European presence in the world. In this context, Greece has proposed four strategic axes<\/b> for the new EU Work Programme for Culture: strengthening Europe’s cultural resilience, sustainable and people-centred digital transition, strengthening participation in culture, and highlighting the geopolitical dimension of culture in the Union’s international relations.<\/p>\n
Lina Mendoni<\/b> also pointed out that the protection of cultural heritage from natural disasters, environmental threats, armed conflicts and illegal trafficking of cultural goods<\/b> has become a European priority. At the same time, he stressed the need to develop common European principles for transparency, fair compensation and the ethical use of cultural content by AI systems, as well as the need to strengthen the mobility, training and social protection of cultural professionals.<\/p>\n
In the context of the debate on AI and the need to evaluate the legal framework for copyright<\/b>, Lina Mendoni<\/b> referred to the recent resolution of the European Parliament which highlights the inadequacy of the existing regulations. She stressed that creativity and the sustainability of the cultural ecosystem cannot be left to piecemeal interventions. <\/p>\n
Lina Mendoni underlined<\/b>: “An ambitious European approach is needed, which restores the balance between technological innovation and the protection of the fundamental rights of creators.” The minister insisted on the need for transparency in the training data<\/b> of AI models and the protection of creators.<\/p>\n
The Culture Minister intervened in the debate on a Spanish initiative on the legal framework that should govern the operation of AI<\/b>, calling for the evaluation and updating of the European regulatory framework in order to restore the balance between innovation, transparency and safeguarding the rights of creators.<\/p>\n
Finally, the Culture Minister addressed the issue of Russia’s<\/b> return<\/b> to the 61st Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition. He stressed that the current context, following Russia’s violent invasion of Ukraine, highlights cultural policy as an area of fundamental moral and political responsibility, noting that “The instrumentalisation of culture, especially in times of armed conflict and violation of fundamental humanitarian norms, as is currently the case in Ukraine, cannot be accepted by the European cultural community. The EU institutions cannot be turned into a vehicle for legitimising practices that run counter to the principles of peace and respect for cultural diversity, which is what Russia has attempted to do, thanking the 21 culture ministers<\/b> who co-signed the common statement against Russia’s representation at the Biennale<\/b>.<\/p>\n
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