Cyprus’ Presidency of the EU Council showcased over 500 Cypriot artists across 30 countries. Deputy Minister Vasiliki Kassianidou highlighted these international collaborations alongside strategic legislative wins for EU cultural funding.

Greatest Benefit: International Cultural Exposure

The opportunity to showcase Cypriot artists, musicians and choreographers internationally was the greatest benefit of the cultural programme organised during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU, Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou said on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press conference in Nicosia, during which she outlined the Deputy Ministry’s work during the six-month Presidency, Kassianidou said Cyprus had achieved tangible results both in shaping European cultural policy and in promoting its cultural heritage and contemporary artistic production abroad.

Legislative Progress on the AgoraEU Funding Programme

She identified negotiations on AgoraEU, the EU’s proposed funding programme for culture, media and civil society for 2028-2034, as one of the most important files handled by the Cyprus Presidency.

The Council adopted a partial general approach on the draft regulation, while financial and horizontal provisions remain under discussion as part of negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

The European Commission has proposed a budget of €8.6 billion for AgoraEU, while the European Parliament has called for €10.72 billion. The final amount will be determined once the legislative process and negotiations on the EU’s next long-term budget are completed.

Boosting Cyprus’ Uptake of EU Cultural Funds

Kassianidou said AgoraEU would succeed and expand Creative Europe. The Deputy Ministry intends to strengthen advisory support for cultural organisations and artists seeking EU funding, including through the establishment and financing of offices providing guidance on applications.

“We have not made as much use as we should have of European funding for cultural matters,” she said, adding that the aim was to increase applications from Cyprus and secure additional resources to complement the Deputy Ministry’s budget.

Strategic Declaration: "Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe"

She also highlighted the joint declaration “Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe”, signed in Brussels by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

According to Kassianidou, the declaration commits the three EU institutions to protecting, promoting and supporting culture, while establishing a strategic framework for integrating the cultural dimension across EU policymaking.

Global Footprint and High-Profile Venues

Turning to the Presidency’s cultural programme, she said Cyprus presented its cultural heritage and contemporary creative output, through 18 concerts and musical performances, 18 visual arts and archaeological exhibitions, seven dance performances and nine theatre, poetry and film events in 30 countries, involving more than 500 artists.

Events and exhibitions were hosted at venues including the Louvre Museum, the National Library of France, Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome and the Picasso Museum in Barcelona, as well as in Berlin, Copenhagen, London, Brussels and Athens.

Legacy and Future Collaborations for Cypriot Creators

“This was the greatest gain from the Presidency: we were able to spread our wings and send artists, musicians and choreographers to many countries around the world to present their work,” Kassianidou said.

She expressed hope that this international exposure would lead to future invitations and new collaborations for Cypriot artists.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)