EU Budget 2028–2034: What's in it for culture?
On 16 July 2025, the European Commission presented its initial proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) from 2028 to 2034. With a total proposed budget of almost €2 trillion—equivalent to 1.26% of the EU’s Gross National Income—the ambitious framework sets the direction for EU priorities over the next seven years.
The new AgoraEU programme will support the pillars of a strong democracy, including culture, media and civil society. The EU cultural, creative, audiovisual and media sector is an important pillar of the EU’s economy and society.
As part of this proposal, the Commission has announced the creation of AgoraEU, a new programme designed to support culture, media and civil society. With a proposed budget of €8.58 billion, AgoraEU brings together and expands upon the existing Creative Europe and Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programmes, more than doubling their combined current funding levels.
AgoraEU is structured around three core strands, representing around 0.25% of the total MFF:
- Creative Europe – Culture: €1.79 billion (2021-2027 was €805.9 million)
- MEDIA+: €3.19 billion (2021-2027 was €1.41 billion)
- Democracy, Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values: €3.59 billion (2021-2027 was €1.55 billion)
The proposal does not include a cross-sectoral strand, currently representing 9% of 2021-2027 Creative Europe.
The Commission mentions that Europe "(...) faces challenges related to democratic participation, equality, cultural diversity and threats to artistic freedom. To counterbalance these trends, well-designed and reinforced financial support at European level plays an important role. Cultural and linguistic diversity, our cultural heritage and our shared values of equality and democracy define the European identity and will continue to be supported in the next long-term budget. Bringing together support to culture, media and civil society under AgoraEU will ensure simpler access for beneficiaries through common rules and funding arrangements."
European Commission (see this communication).
The Commission’s proposal signals the beginning of formal negotiations. The MFF must be negotiated with the 27 Member States in the Council, following approval by the European Parliament. Negotiations are expected to begin this autumn and will continue throughout 2026-2027.
Strengthening the Cultural Sector
The European Festivals Association reiterates Culture Action Europe's call for stronger support for the cultural sector through increased EU investment.
EFA welcomes the proposed doubling of EU funding for culture and the continued visibility and autonomy of the cultural strand within the AgoraEU programme. Over the past months, EFA has endorsed several actions in this direction; read more here.
We call on the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union to build on this proposal and increase the final allocation for culture as negotiations progress.
We encourage our community of festivals, policymakers, artists, festival and cultural organisations, to remain united and mobilised throughout the upcoming budget discussions. By working together and fostering cross-sector collaboration, we can help ensure that culture remains a priority in the EU’s long-term strategic investment.
MFF Structure
The MFF 2028–2034 is organised around four main expenditure headings, plus a Flexibility Instrument and a Ukraine Reserve:
- Heading 1: National and Regional Partnerships Plans
To promote economic, social and territorial cohesion, sustainable development and competitiveness of the Union and its security, while supporting agriculture, rural and maritime prosperity. Frontex, Europol and other decentralised agencies are also included. In addition, a fixed annual amount for the repayment of NextGenerationEU is included in this heading.
Proposed allocation: €1.06 trillion
- Heading 2: European Competitiveness, Prosperity and Security
Encompasses a new European Competitiveness Fund (€450.51 billion), including Horizon Europe (€175 billion). Also included are Erasmus+ (€40.83 billion), AgoraEU (€8.58 billion), and other standalone programmes within the same heading.
Proposed allocation: €589.59 billion
- Heading 3: Global Europe
Covers the EU’s external action instruments, including the Global Europe instrument, the Common Foreign and Security Policy, support for Overseas Countries and Territories, and others.
Proposed allocation: €215.20 billion
- Heading 4: European Public Administration
Operating budget for EU institutions and public administration,
Proposed allocation: €117.88 billion
Additional Instruments
- Ukraine Reserve: A dedicated €100 billion reserve will be made available to support Ukraine throughout the MFF.
- Flexibility Instrument: This mechanism of €15.78 billion allows the EU to respond to unforeseen challenges or emerging priorities by providing additional funding beyond the budget ceilings.