Eurobarometer Report shows importance of Culture to Europeans

The report provides EU citizens’ views on many culture-related topics such as artistic freedom, generative AI, the working conditions of artists, and the value of cultural heritage and participation in artistic activities.

According to the results of the survey, culture is the number one factor that fosters a sense of community among EU citizens, but only half believe artists receive fair pay for their work.

Some Key Findings

• 87% of respondents agree that culture and cultural exchange should have a very important place in the EU so that citizens from different EU countries can feel more European. 86% say cultural heritage is important for Europe, confirming that culture and heritage are not just a reflection of the past but a vital part of everyday life.
• 88% of Europeans said that freedom of artistic expression was important to them. In addition, 77% of Europeans agree that artists can freely express their ideas and opinions without fear of censorship or retaliation by their government.
• 75% are concerned about the impact of generative AI on artists and almost 3 in 4 Europeans (73%) are concerned that the rise of generative AI may have an impact on employment or earnings for artists. Indeed, fair pay for artists is a concern in general.
• The Special Eurobarometer published on 8th May 2025 also reveals that Europeans believe their country and the EU should work more closely together on cultural policy matters.

The results of this Special Eurobarometer will feed into the next preparatory stages of the Culture Compass for Europe, the European Commission’s upcoming strategic framework for EU cultural policy, which is expected to be published in 2025.