For the third time Sweden takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. On 1 January 2023, Sweden took over from Czechia and will hand over the Presidency to Spain on 1 July.

On its website, the Swedish Presidency specifies the priorities for culture and media: “the Presidency intends to present Council conclusions on the subject of displaced artists, with the aim of emphasising the importance of giving them protection and support to continue their artistic endeavours within existing programmes and structures. The Presidency also intends to highlight other aspects of the prerequisites for artistic creativity, as well as artistic freedom and the conditions for the cultural and creative industries.

Independent and strong media and cultural sectors are crucial elements of a vibrant and resilient democracy. The Presidency will advance the work on the proposal for a European Media Freedom Act.”