Over 500 organisations call for stronger AgoraEU programme in next EU budget
More than 500 organisations from across Europe and beyond, including EASPD, have signed a joint letter calling on EU institutions to significantly increase funding for the AgoraEU programme in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034.
The letter has now been shared with key EU decision-makers involved in negotiating both the EU’s long-term budget and the future of AgoraEU. The signatories form a broad coalition of organisations from the cultural and creative sectors, independent media, journalism and civil society.
AgoraEU: purpose and key challenges
AgoraEU is the EU’s proposed integrated funding programme, bringing together support for culture and audiovisual industries (previously under Creative Europe) and initiatives on rights, equality and democratic participation (previously under the CERV programme).
The letter calls on EU decision-makers to ensure a stronger AgoraEU programme in the next budget cycle, as these areas are essential to Europe’s democratic infrastructure. Current EU funding in these fields is already heavily oversubscribed and under significant pressure, which limits its ability to respond to growing needs across Europe.
Sustained investment in cultural production, independent journalism and civil society participation is therefore seen as essential to maintaining open and inclusive democratic societies across Europe.
Growing pressures on democracy and civic space
The organisations also highlight a series of structural challenges currently facing Europe. These include geopolitical instability, technological transformation, rising inequalities and declining trust in democratic institutions.
In addition, there are increasing risks linked to foreign information manipulation and interference, as well as coordinated attempts to weaken fundamental rights and democratic standards.
In this context, signatories argue that stronger and more stable EU investment in culture, media and civil society is essential to protect democratic resilience.
Mobilising support across Europe
To strengthen the impact of the initiative, organisations are encouraged to continue sharing the letter through their communication and advocacy channels. They are also invited to support the campaign by bringing in additional signatories, as the collection of signatures remains open.
This initiative reflects a wider trend across Europe, where civil society actors are increasingly mobilising to call for stronger EU support for democracy, rights and participation.
As negotiations on the next EU budget continue, the outcome for AgoraEU will be seen as an important test of the Union’s commitment to its core democratic values.
If you wish to support this letter, you can still join the coalition.