We are delighted to announce the first edition of the Culture Next Policy Summit, taking place on 3 November 2025, from 17:00 to 19:00, at the European Parliament (Room 6Q1) in Brussels. The Summit will bring together Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission and other EU institutions, as well as leaders of major European cultural networks. Envisioned as an annual high-level gathering, the event aims to foster updates, alignment, and collaboration between the cultural sector and MEPs who champion culture as a driver of democracy, peacebuilding, social justice, and sustainable development.
This year’s briefing will address:
• The ongoing campaign to include Culture as a Sustainable Development Goal in the next UN Agenda.
• The recommendations from European Capital of Culture candidate cities on strengthening the ECoC framework.
• The cultural priorities of the new European Union agenda.
The dialogue will connect local city perspectives with EU policy agendas, offering evidence, reform ideas, and concrete advocacy for culture’s role in shaping a democratic, sustainable, and innovative Europe.
About Culture Next
Culture Next is the European network of current and former candidate cities for the title of European Capital of Culture, working together to strengthen culture-led urban development, build lasting legacies, and advocate for the transformative power of culture in Europe. The network currently includes 46 member cities across the continent.
Find out more at culturenext.eu.
Expected Participants:
Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the European Commission, representatives of European cultural networks, representatives of Culture Next member cities, cultural policies experts, representatives of the Culture Next Network.
Organised by:
Culture Next Cities Network Secretariat
(Cluj Cultural Centre – REG 510698798730-53, Transparency Register)
Formally hosted by:
Mr Daniel Buda, Member of the European Parliament (Romania)
🗓️ Day 2: Cultural Networks Meeting
4 November 2025, 15:00–17:00
Migration Museum, Molenbeek
An informal open space for cultural networks to share their current work, future plans, and explore new collaborations for a stronger contribution to sustainable development in Europe.
Followed by a cocktail reception hosted by Oulu 2026 and Trenčín 2026, marking the launch of their programmes as the European Capitals of Culture 2026.
📩 RSVP / Registration Form
Contact:
András Farkas
Policy Coordinator, Culture Next Network
📧 andras@culturenext.eu
