Culture, inclusion and the built environment: regions set out priorities

At a meeting in Slovakia, members of the SEDEC commission approve draft opinions on the Culture Compass, the New European Bauhaus, and the EU's anti-racism strategy.

The Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC) met in the Slovak city of Trnava on 22 June to debate draft opinions on three European Union policies whose success is contingent on close collaboration with cities and regions: culture, anti-racism, and the built environment.

All three opinions - on 'A Culture Compass for Europe', the '2026-2030 EU anti-racism strategy', and 'The New European Bauhaus: from vision to implementation' - were drafted in response to proposals from the European Commission. Each of them was approved by SEDEC and is now set for adoption by the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) at its plenary session in October.

The meeting was held in Trnava upon invitation of Jozef Viskupič (SK/Renew Europe), President of the Trnava self-governing region and member of the CoR SEDEC Commission. The meeting was followed on 23 June by a conference on 'Applying a place-based approach and territorial lenses to innovation - from metropolitan to rural areas'. The conference, which was co-organised by SEDEC and the Trnava region, discussed the innovation divide between rural and metropolitan regions and about enhancing cross-border innovation ecosystems.

'A Culture Compass for Europe'

In a vote endorsing a draft opinion on European Commission proposals to mobilise greater political commitment and create new policy tools to support culture, members of the SEDEC commission underscored that the EU's investment in culture should be viewed as significant response to many of the EU's contemporary challenges, and not just as support for one aspect of European identity. The SEDEC vote came on the same day that the European Committee of the Regions was invited to add its name to a joint declaration agreed on 18 June by the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the Presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission entitled "Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe" in which they set out their shared political commitment to protecting, promoting and supporting culture in Europe.

Rapporteur Tanya Hristova (BG/EPP), mayor of Gabrovo, said: "Culture is not only a cornerstone of European identity, it is also a powerful driver of social cohesion, innovation and sustainable local development. I welcome the European Commission's invitation to the European Committee of the Regions to join the joint declaration on the Culture Compass for Europe, which highlights the essential contribution of culture to the future of our Union. Local and regional authorities play a key role in bringing culture closer to citizens, preserving cultural heritage, supporting creative sectors and ensuring that cultural participation reaches every community. A strong European cultural agenda can only succeed through a genuine partnership with cities and regions."

The debatesaw calls for the Commission's proposal to give clearer recognition to the need for a strategic partnership with local and regional authorities in shaping priorities and in implementation. Members also expressed concern that centralising features of proposed reforms of the EU budget may also affect the cultural sector.

'2026-2030 EU anti-racism strategy'

SEDEC members strongly backed the '2026-2030 EU anti-racism strategy' drawn up by the European Commission, focusing their attention particularly on four areas in which the local and regional levels have significant competences and responsibilities: housing, education, healthcare, and employment.

The CoR's draft opinion highlights the urgency to address structural racism, emphasises the need for evidence-led policies, calling for more and better quality comparable data on discrimination, and for resolute action from all levels of government to tackle any manifestation of racism and to apply the legal frameworks to combat inequality.

Rapporteur Pär Löfstrand (SE/Renew Europe), member of Östersund Municipal Council, said: "As Renew Europe rapporteur in the European Committee of the Regions, I welcome the new EU Anti-Racism Strategy as a strong and timely commitment to equality. Fighting racism requires more than declarations, it demands implementation, accountability and leadership at every level of government. Local and regional authorities have a crucial role in turning principles into practice. Together, we must build inclusive communities where diversity is valued and where equality, dignity and opportunity are realities for everyone."

'New European Bauhaus: from vision to implementation'

The CoR has been a strong supporter of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) since the initiative was launched in 2020, as a framework for creating more sustainable, inclusive and beautiful places through a people-centred approach. As the initiative enters its implementation phase, the SEDEC commission has put forward recommendations to ensure that future NEB actions effectively support cities, regions, small municipalities and rural communities across Europe.

The CoR's rapporteur, Tsvetelina Simeonova-Zarkin (BG/Renew Europe), member of Sofia Municipal Council, said: "The priority is to make the New European Bauhaus a practical tool for local and regional authorities of all sizes: through stronger financing, skills development, support for all territories and a meaningful NEB Label. It must protect cultural heritage, engage citizens and strengthen social inclusion in the transformation of our communities across Europe."

The CoR is collaborating closely with the European Commission in advancing the New European Bauhaus at local and regional level. Building on this, the CoR stands ready to contribute to the next phase of implementation, including through the NEB Academy, the NEB Label and other initiatives supporting cities and regions such as the Boost for Small Municipalities. The unanimous adoption of this opinion by the SEDEC commission demonstrates the strong commitment of local and regional authorities to ensuring that the NEB delivers tangible results for communities across Europe.

Background information:

• SEDEC details: The agenda, supporting documentation and recording are available on the event page. Photos are also available.
• Conference details: The agenda and recording of the conference on 'Applying a place-based approach and territorial lenses to innovation - from metropolitan to rural areas' are available on the event page. Further details can be found in a separate press release.