Original text
European Commission - Statement Press Statement by Commissioner Micallef at High-level meeting with Ian Murray, UK Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts Brussels, 24 March 2026 Minister Murray, Dear Ian, thank you for your friendship. And thank you for this fruitful and forward-looking exchange we have just had. The European Union and the United Kingdom have a lot in common. We stand shoulder to shoulder o...
European Commission - Statement Press Statement by Commissioner Micallef at High-level meeting with Ian Murray, UK Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts Brussels, 24 March 2026 Minister Murray, Dear Ian, thank you for your friendship. And thank you for this fruitful and forward-looking exchange we have just had. The European Union and the United Kingdom have a lot in common. We stand shoulder to shoulder on many issues. Practical cooperation builds connections. Like our recent agreement that brings the United Kingdom back to Erasmus+. An agreement that, from 2027 onwards, reopens the door to new experiences and lasting friendships for young people. It reflects a shared belief that our relationship is not built solely on technical cooperation, but on personal connections. Culture connects us. It binds our societies and brings them closer together. We welcome a more constructive chapter in our relationship. One grounded in regular engagement and practical cooperation. And a broader commitment to cultural cooperation. That is why cultural cooperation, of which Erasmus+ is one expression, is so actively supported and deeply valued by both the European Union and the United Kingdom. Today ' s meeting comes against an international environment marked by uncertainty. In times like these, the need for unity with like-minded partners is greater than ever. But our strength goes beyond alliances or strategy. It is also in who we are. Our resilience, our identity, and the values we will always defend, ust as the generations before us defended theirs. A key part of our discussion focused on Ukraine. The Union remains determined to continue supporting Ukraine. This war is not being fought only on the battlefield. It is also waged against the soul of a nation. Against its culture, its memory, and its identity. Last week, in my meeting with Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Tetyana Berzhovna, I was reminded of the devastating impact this war is having on Ukraine ' s heritage, its artists, and its cultural sector. It is in response to this that the European Union remains committed to supporting Ukraine. This includes targeted aid to preserve and protect its cultural heritage and creative community. Since the beginning of the war, the Union mobilised over 50 million euros in support of Ukraine ' s cultural and creative sectors and heritage. Alongside European Commission initiatives, the Team Europe approach has brought together 76 actions from 24 Member States. This reflects our commitment to protect what binds people together. I am pleased to announce that the Commission will increase its support with an additional 250,000 euros. This funding will help Ukraine strengthen its capacity in disaster and crisis risk management. It will support emergency response efforts. And it will ensure that cultural sites, archives, and works of art can be protected, even under the most difficult circumstances. I also welcome the United Kingdom ' s strong commitment and efforts. Together, we show that in defending culture and values, we are stronger. More broadly, Minister Murray and I had a constructive discussion on international cultural relations. In a world that is becoming more polarised, cooperation in culture is a strategic necessity. Supporting multilateralism is part of that. Initiatives such as the Culture Compass show us what is possible. They show how we can build stronger partnerships and deliver greater impact together. With partners like the United Kingdom, we ensure that culture remains at the heart of our global engagement. And let us be clear about the political dimension of this work. Culture is one of our most effective shields against extremism. It creates space for dialogue where politics alone cannot. It fosters mutual understanding and bridges divides. And it reminds us of our shared humanity at a time when division is amplified. Strengthening the role of culture means strengthening peace. It means reinforcing multilateralism. It means upholding the values that unite us: democracy, freedom of expression, and respect for diversity. These are not abstract ideas. Culture sustains them every day. So when we invest in culture, we are supporting artists. We are preserving heritage. We are also investing in stability. We are investing in resilience. And we are investing in our shared future. STATEMENT/26/702
Speech Brief