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Young People and the EU

In the context of our internship at ENCATC, we had the opportunity to visit the Parlamentarium, the House of European History, and the Info Point located at the roundabout Robert Schuman 14. As French and Spanish students, these visits deepened our understanding of the role of young people, especially in the fields of cultural education and management within the European Union.

During our visit, we observed that young people were represented in various ways. As the next generation of EU professionals, there is a clear emphasis on the need to reach out to us. For example, comics freely distributed at the Info Point are dedicated to young audiences and cover a wide range of EU-related topics — from agriculture and space to climate change and education. This approach makes information more accessible and relatable, fostering a sense of awareness about the European community, its contributions to society, and the challenges it faces. Inspired by real testimonies, one of the comics we read introduced us to the European Social Fund (ESF). Established in 1957, the ESF invests €10 billion annually, improving the lives of 10 million individuals, including young people struggling to find jobs or start businesses. Another comic told the story of a young boy from an underprivileged urban area in Portugal who dreamed of becoming a musician. Thanks to an EU-funded project that revitalized his neighborhood, he finally had the chance to pursue his passion.

The importance of giving young people a voice and opportunities, regardless of their social background, highlights the EU’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. To strengthen this, Advisory Boards for young people have been set up to allow their voices to be heard on various issues. This initiative inspired us to think further: what if this concept was expanded? Imagine an open platform where any young European could share their opinions via social media or online forms — no complex application process required. Participation fosters a sense of belonging, and such an initiative would empower us to engage with EU matters more actively, complementing our formal education by sharpening our critical thinking skills.

EU Opportunities in Cultural Education

When discussing how the EU supports young people in cultural education, professional development, and job prospects, the Erasmus+ program immediately comes to mind. For many young Europeans, especially in countries like Spain and France, Erasmus+ has become a key step in shaping their careers. It is more than just an academic experience; it broadens our perspectives by exposing us to different cultures, languages, and ways of life. This, in turn, prepares us for an interconnected job market and enriches our personal growth.

Beyond Erasmus+, the EU has launched various projects that combine cultural education and youth engagement. For example, during the European Year of Cultural Heritage in 2018, Erasmus+ trained volunteers to promote the protection and transmission of cultural heritage to future generations. These initiatives reflect the EU’s recognition of the link between cultural education and professional development, providing us with tools not only to learn but also to actively contribute to preserving Europe’s cultural richness.

Culture and Sustainability

One of the most pressing issues for the next generation of EU professionals is sustainability — a challenge that also resonates strongly within the cultural sector. As emphasized during our visits, culture and sustainability are deeply interconnected, and the EU plays a crucial role in reinforcing this bond.

Dejan Crnek, Deputy Mayor of Ljubljana and Chair of the Culture Forum, once said, “Every cultural initiative has the potential to be a catalyst for positive change.” This philosophy is reflected in the Eurocities Lille Call to Action, where cities across Europe, in collaboration with ENCATC, pledged to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their cultural policies. These measures range from organizing environmentally responsible exhibitions to using recycled materials and encouraging sustainable transport for event attendees.

The European Commission also emphasizes sustainability through educational programs. For instance, the joint EU-UNESCO project “Engaging Youth for an Inclusive and Sustainable Europe” teaches students how to map intangible cultural heritage, fostering awareness about its protection. Similarly, the INCREAS project develops educational tools for the cultural heritage sector, promoting the idea of a sustainable cultural future in Europe.

If allowed to propose an EU-funded cultural initiative, we would suggest creating an online platform to track the carbon footprint of cultural projects across Europe. This platform would not only raise public awareness about the environmental impact of cultural activities but also inspire cultural professionals to adopt greener practices. Transparency and education would work hand in hand to push the sector towards more sustainable solutions.

A Better Cultural Education System in Europe

Diversity, sustainability, and innovation — these would be our top priorities to improve cultural education in Europe.

Currently, the path to becoming a cultural professional can vary greatly depending on one’s country of origin. We believe that access to cultural education and professional opportunities should be equal across the EU. For instance, in Spain, degrees explicitly tied to cultural management are less popular than in other fields. While there are specialised programs like the “Gestión Cultural” degree in Lugo or the “Diversidad Cultural” master’s at the University of Granada, these options are not as widespread as similar programs in France. French universities often offer a broader array of culture-related degrees, with some partnering directly with European Networks like ENCATC — highlighting a gap in accessibility and awareness between countries.

To address these imbalances, the EU should invest in initiatives that dismantle the perception of cultural careers as less “practical” or profitable than other fields. Promoting the real-world impact of cultural work — on the economy, society, and the environment — could inspire more young people to pursue careers in cultural education and management.

Lastly, European Networks like ENCATC have the potential to elevate youth engagement by creating interactive platforms for debate, training, and exchange. Hosting student-centred congresses or forums would direct young people to policymakers and cultural leaders. These events should not just be about receiving information — they should be spaces where young voices actively shape the dialogue, reinforcing the idea that cultural education is a shared, evolving process.

The future of European cultural education lies in collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation — and young people must be at the heart of this journey.

News article by Jénayé Barry and Carmen Amelia Checa Gutiérrez, ENCATC