Speeches

The cultural and creative sectors have been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures aimed at halting the spread of the virus have meant cancelling events, performances, exhibitions or festivals, all of which have had negative impacts on our societies, but this has, of course, had the most dramatic impact on the lives of specific people who have lost income for many months. This crisis has exposed and further exacerbated the problems existing in the sector, which undoubtedly include the precarious working situation of artists and cultural workers, as atypical forms of employment are often used here. It would therefore be appropriate to create a European Status of the Artist, which would set a framework for the working conditions and minimum social standards of artists across the EU. It is also important not to forget the cultural and creative sectors when it comes to providing support from financial assistance instruments such as InvestEU or NextGenerationEU. Europe must ensure that what defines it – a rich, vibrant and productive cultural and creative scene – is not lost. The EU's cultural and creative industries are likely to recover from this crisis for a long time to come, and it is therefore extremely important to do everything possible to help its recovery.