Spain has taken over the Presidency of the Council of Europe from Sweden on 1 July 2023. Running until the end of this year, the Spanish Presidency has already published some of their plans for the cultural sector. 

The Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU will work in line with the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT Final Declaration) to strengthen the cultural dimension as a cornerstone for the consolidation of European citizenship. It therefore aims to develop a strategy to promote the recognition of culture as an essential public good. 

The working conditions in the cultural and creative sectors are another central topic highlighted by the Spanish Presidency. To work on this topic, a policy debate with the 27 Culture Ministers of the EU Member States is scheduled for 23-24 November. The debate will address the need to improve the working, social security and tax conditions of artists by promoting the proposed European Status of the Artist and cultural workers. Creating a common framework, this would allow better cross-border mobility. 

In addition, an informal ministerial meeting on culture will be held in Cáceres on 25-26 September 2023 to discuss ways to promote best practices for the sustainable management of cultural heritage.