The CRAFTOUR General Conference, held 30 January 2026 at the European Parliament and hosted by MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, presented the initiative’s first policy findings to EU stakeholders. It highlighted crafts’ strategic relevance for heritage, skills, sustainability and European competitiveness.

Cultural Compass for Europe is a new strategic guide launched by the European Commission to support cultural, craft, and heritage professionals across Europe, designed to guide cultural actors, institutions, and policymakers through the EU’s evolving cultural landscape. This initiative provides practical tools, funding guidance, policy updates, and forward-looking insights to support professionals working in heritage, crafts, and the creative industries. Its goal is to strengthen cooperation across Europe, encourage sustainable cultural development, and help organisations navigate current challenges: from digital transformation to cross-border mobility.

As part of the new AgoraEU plan, the European Commission has proposed a €8.6 billion budget to support culture, media, and democracy from 2028 to 2034. This includes €1.8 billion for Creative Europe – Culture, €3.2 billion for the Media+ programme, and €3.6 billion for initiatives under Democracy, Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values. AgoraEU will cover policy areas that are key to empowering European citizens and building stronger, more resilient societies. The plan also highlights greater mobility for artists and deeper cross-border cultural cooperation.