European Cultural Significance: Which European Union Countries Emphasize Culture the Most?

In a recent survey, over 26,000 respondents across EU Member States and various demographic groups were asked about their opinions on culture and its importance. The findings, set to contribute to the Culture Compass for Europe, the Commission's strategy for cultural policy, reveal a strong European emphasis on culture.

The survey revealed that more than 8 out of 10 Europeans believe that culture and the arts are essential for the welfare and economic development of their place of residence. This belief is most prevalent in Luxembourg, where 93% of citizens share this view, followed closely by Portugal (92%) and Italy (91%).

Luxembourg also holds the highest score when it comes to the importance of culture, with 92% of its citizens considering culture important. However, countries like Austria (62%), Romania (61%), and Germany (66%) have lower scores, indicating a less pronounced emphasis on culture. Italy and Cyprus, with 89% of citizens considering culture important, follow Luxembourg and Portugal closely.

The survey also shed light on the artistic activities Europeans engage in. Dancing and singing emerged as the top artistic activities, with 17% and 15% participation respectively.

Interestingly, the countries facing the greatest difficulties in accessibility to cultural participation often coincide with those having the lowest public spending on education and less infrastructure for inclusion. Greece and Italy, which invest the least in education among member states, are prime examples of this correlation.

The survey, conducted between February and March 2025, also showed an increase in the number of Europeans considering culture personally important. Compared to the previous survey in 2007, 79% of respondents now view culture as personally important, an increase of 2%.

The findings from this survey will feed into the Culture Compass for Europe, the Commission's strategy for cultural policy, expected by the end of the year. The survey did not discuss the need for a Cultural Deal for Europe nor did it provide specific data on dental health or years of healthy life expectancy.

European Cultural Significance: Which European Union Countries Emphasize Culture the Most?