Supporting the early careers of young artists and debating regulations for the audiovisual sector that align with rapidly evolving technological realities are two key priorities of Poland’s EU Council Presidency in the field of culture. Over the next six months, Poland will also promote its creators across EU member and candidate states, showcasing that culture can connect people and serve as a platform for international dialogue.
“We aim to make the most of our EU Presidency in terms of culture through collaboration with the institutions we partner with. The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage is working with the Adam Mickiewicz Institute, responsible for promoting Polish culture worldwide, and the National Centre for Culture, which collaborates with cultural institutions within Poland. We want the Presidency theme to be present both in Poland and abroad,” said Hanna Wróblewska, Poland’s Minister of Culture and National Heritage, in an interview with Newseria.
The slogan of Poland’s second EU Council Presidency, lasting from January 1 to June 30, is “Security, Europe.” At the official inauguration, Minister Wróblewska emphasized that by assuming the Presidency, Poland invites Europe into a dialogue where Polish heritage speaks a universal language, building bridges between traditions, generations, and nations.
Promoting Culture Across Europe
Under the motto “Culture Sparks Unity,” the Adam Mickiewicz Institute will organize nearly 100 cultural events—concerts, performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and literary meetings—in over 20 European countries. These initiatives will highlight Polish culture with a particular focus on the younger generation. By collaborating with artists from EU member and candidate countries, Poland’s cultural program aims to symbolize diversity and mutual respect, demonstrating that culture can unite, foster dialogue, and facilitate international cooperation.
Domestically, the Presidency’s cultural program, led by the National Centre for Culture, will include concerts by young artists and the International Forum: Europe with a View to the Future, scheduled for June at the European Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk. This year, the focus has shifted from centralized celebrations to diverse local initiatives showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Polish regions. By empowering local governments, the program aims to inspire communities, strengthen cultural sharing, and broaden access to culture.
“We have allocated the same budget for this Presidency as for the previous one, avoiding inflated expenditures. Our goal is to use these funds effectively, considering the challenging times we live in, marked by uncertainty. The core of our efforts aligns with the Presidency’s theme of security,” Wróblewska explained. “We are organizing a series of exhibitions, concerts, and discussions on critical topics such as audiovisual policies.”
Modernizing Audiovisual Regulations
Developing modern regulations for the audiovisual sector is one of Poland’s cultural priorities during its Presidency. The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage plans to initiate discussions in the EU Council on revising the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD), which is scheduled for review by the end of 2026.
“We see the need for changes. The rapid evolution of digital technology often outpaces legislation. It is up to us to monitor and adapt the law to make it timely, fair to creators, and accessible to audiences,” the Minister stated. “Rather than focusing on potential threats posed by artificial intelligence, we aim to explore how to utilize it consciously while safeguarding creators’ rights.”
Supporting Emerging Artists
The second priority centers on supporting young creators at the start of their careers, an issue gaining importance at the European level. The Presidency will work on enhancing career development tools within creative sectors, such as the Creative Europe Program.
“A few years ago, France discussed the mobility of young artists, and we are building on that dialogue. We plan to conduct special studies to identify measures that genuinely support young artists at the beginning of their careers,” Wróblewska said. “This isn’t about dividing support between ‘our’ creators and others but rather understanding how to assist artists across Europe. In April, we will host a major three-day conference at the Zachęta National Gallery of Art, involving cultural ministers, experts, curators, critics, and young artists. The event will include study visits to hear and see the perspectives of young creators.”
The conference in Warsaw will feature six thematic panels focusing on topics such as career development for artists, creative education, the future of creative professions, entrepreneurial skills for artists, their well-being, and career support. Additionally, in April, an international conference on artificial intelligence in the context of media, audiovisual services, and copyright will take place in Łódź. This event will include seven thematic panels covering topics like journalism, combating disinformation, intellectual property enforcement, media education, and building citizens’ digital skills.
Outcomes of the Presidency
The six-month Presidency is expected to conclude with recommendations for future audiovisual policies and concrete actions to support young artists. By addressing pressing issues in culture and fostering international cooperation, Poland aims to make its Presidency a meaningful contribution to Europe’s cultural landscape.