Kulturális és Oktatási Bizottság

The Committee on Regional Development will hold a public hearing on the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) "Cohesion policy for the equality of the regions and sustainability of the regional cultures" with the participation of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, the Committee on Culture and Education and the Committee on Petitions on 25 June 2025, from 14:30-17:30. The programme and webstreaming link are attached.

The European Youth Event (EYE2025) took place on 13 and 14 June in Strasbourg, offering a unique opportunity for young people to connect with policymakers and discuss their ideas for the future of Europe. Whether attending in person or participating online, EYE2025 allows young people to engage in meaningful conversations and share their perspectives on key issues.

On 20 May, the CULT Committee held a public Hearing to explore the specific challenges and implications AI poses to the cultural and creative sectors, as well as to consider possible solutions. Amongst the experts invited, Björn Ulvaeus, founder Member of ABBA.

On 19 May the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield and the Committee on Culture and Education held a joint public hearing on "The State of Media in the EU and Media Resilience". The hearing explored the alarming decline of democracy and the growing threats to media freedom across Europe.

Recent events have made it clear that academic freedom is under threat even in countries that previously stood in its defence. The CULT Committee will have a presentation on the topic by Vasiliki Kosta and Olga Ceran of Leiden University, and Peter Maassen of the University of Oslo for an update on the latest trends.

The CULT Committee will vote its own INI report on a new vision for the European University Alliances, Rapporteur Laurence Farreng (FR, Renew). The report deals with the future of a flagship initiative of Erasmus+ that piloted the building of 65 different alliances with more than 570 higher education institutions of all types, from across Europe. The report looks at measures that could make these alliances sustainable.

On 20 May The CULT Committee considered the draft opinion by Ms. Laurence Farreng, which looks at the impact of Brexit in education, youth, culture and media services and possible improvements. This was followed by an exchange of views with experts from the European Commission and the UK delegation of the European External Action Service. The discussion provided updates on the EU-UK summit held on 19 May and implications in the CULT remit.

During the CULT Committee meeting on 20 May, Mr. Stefanus Blok, of the European Court of Auditors presented his special report highlighting how an essential mechanism is being used sparsely and inconsistently within the Member States.

On 20 May, the CULT Committee welcomed stakeholders to provide an update on the implementation of the EP Report. The document aims to address current and future challenges and make a tangible contribution to the European Education Area.