Cultural Policies and European Identity

European cultural policy encompasses a diverse array of instruments designed to foster a shared sense of belonging while respecting linguistic, historical and artistic pluralism. From flagship schemes such as the European Capital of Culture to heritage labelling initiatives and digital platforms, policymakers seek to articulate what it means to be European in an age of global interconnectedness. These interventions operate at multiple scales, blending top-down regulatory frameworks with bottom-up cultural mobilisation by local actors. They grapple with the tension between celebrating local distinctiveness and constructing transnational narratives that underline common values, such as democracy, human rights and respect for diversity. Cultural diplomacy further extends these debates beyond the Union’s borders, positioning Europe as a generator of soft power through heritage collaborations, intercultural dialogue and educational exchange. In doing so, European cultural policies not only shape domestic identity narratives but also contribute to wider global conversations about the role of heritage, arts and memory in legitimising supranational project.

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Cultural Policies and European Identity publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in cultural policies and european identity across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

European Heritage Label (EHL): An EU initiative that designates sites of outstanding European significance to promote shared history and values.

European Capital of Culture (ECOC): A rotating title awarded to cities to showcase cultural achievements and stimulate transnational collaboration.

Transnational network: Collaborative alliances that transcend national borders to exchange cultural policy practices and foster regional integration.

Heritage diplomacy: The strategic use of cultural heritage projects and narratives to advance diplomatic relations and intercultural understanding.

References

1. EU CULTURAL POLICY AND SOCIETY PARTICIPATION : REVIEW OF THE RECENT LITERATURE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK. Polonia University Scientific Journal (2024).
2. The European Capital of Culture and Transnational Networks. European Review (2024).
3. Heritage Diplomacy Discourses in the EU: Notions on Cultural Diplomacy, Cultural Heritage, and Intercultural Dialogue among EU Officials and Heritage Practitioners. Ethnologia Europaea (2021).