A Compass for Culture, A Voice for Publishers: EPC Engages in EU Strategy

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence on “A Culture Compass for Europe”, aiming to define a strategic vision for the cultural and creative sectors. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure that culture continues to play a vital role in European integration, identity, and innovation.

The European Publishers Council (EPC) welcomes the European Commission's initiative, which we embrace as a pivotal step towards reinforcing the EU's commitment to cultural diversity, democratic values, and the integration of culture into broader policy frameworks. In our feedback, we have highlighted the following aspects: 

The Interdependence of National Culture and Media Freedom

National culture and media freedom are inextricably linked. A free, independent, and pluralistic press is not only a reflection of a nation's cultural identity but also a vital contributor to its evolution. A pluralistic editorial media sector serves as a conduit for cultural expression, enabling diverse voices to be heard and fostering a shared understanding among citizens.

Media freedom ensures that cultural narratives are not monolithic but encompass a spectrum of perspectives, thereby enriching the cultural fabric of societies. Conversely, a vibrant cultural landscape provides the context and content that fuel journalistic endeavors. This symbiosis is essential for a resilient democracy and an informed citizenry.

Media Freedom as a Catalyst for Democratic Participation

Media freedom plays a crucial role in facilitating democratic participation. By providing citizens with accurate, timely, and diverse information, the media empowers individuals to make informed decisions and engage meaningfully in democratic processes. The erosion of media freedom undermines this dynamic, leading to a less informed public and weakened democratic institutions.

The Culture Compass should, therefore, acknowledge and reinforce the role of media freedom as a cornerstone of democratic engagement and cultural vitality.

The Risks of Synthetic AI-Generated Content to Europe's Cultural Diversity

The rapid rise of synthetic AI-generated content—produced without editorial oversight, cultural sensitivity, or legal accountability—poses a threat to cultural diversity and democratic dialogue. These systems often generate outputs based on dominant language sources and generalised training data, which can flatten distinct cultural voices, homogenise narratives, and marginalise minority or local perspectives. This not only dilutes the richness of Europe’s cultural heritage but also undermines the ecosystem in which diverse media and cultural expression can thrive.

To preserve cultural plurality and promote inclusiveness, it is essential that policy frameworks—including the Culture Compass—actively support the creation and visibility of culturally specific, editorially governed content.

The Importance of Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights

Copyright and intellectual property (IP) rights are fundamental to the creative ecosystem. They provide the legal foundation that incentivises investment in original cultural, editorial, and artistic content. Without the ability to control and license their work, creators—including journalists, authors, publishers, and artists—would lack the economic basis to continue producing high-quality content. Strong IP protections ensure that Europe’s creative industries can continue to flourish, innovate, and contribute to the richness of our shared cultural heritage. The Culture Compass should explicitly recognise the importance of upholding and enforcing these rights as a means of safeguarding cultural vitality and editorial independence across the EU.

The Crisis of Reading and Critical Thinking Among Young People

There is growing concern across Europe that young people are reading less frequently and engaging less deeply with news, especially long-form journalism, but also books, and critical cultural materials. This decline in reading is contributing to a wider erosion of critical thinking skills and media discernment, making it harder for younger generations to distinguish fact from fiction, truth from propaganda. In an environment dominated by fast, visual, and often synthetic content, the ability to question sources, evaluate evidence, and understand context is being lost—undermining the foundations of informed citizenship and cultural literacy. The Culture Compass must address this urgent challenge by supporting reading culture and educational efforts that promote sustained engagement with diverse, quality content.

Recommendations for the Culture Compass

1. Support for Independent Journalism

   Develop policies that recognise the need for sustainable revenues independent editorial media to remain viable, ensuring they can continue to contribute to cultural discourse.

   
   

2. Promotion of Media and Reading Literacy

   Encourage initiatives that promote media literacy and reading among citizens—especially the young—to foster critical thinking and informed participation in cultural and democratic life.

   
   

3. Protection Against Disinformation and AI Homogenisation

   Address the dual threats of disinformation and AI-driven content homogenisation, which weaken cultural diversity and distort public understanding.

   
   

4. Recognition and Enforcement of Copyright and IP Rights

   Ensure that the Culture Compass promotes strong and enforceable copyright and IP protections that reward creativity and secure the sustainability of cultural and editorial production across Europe.

   
   

5. Cross-Sector Collaboration

   Foster collaboration between cultural institutions, media organisations, educators, and civil society to develop holistic approaches that strengthen the cultural ecosystem.

Conclusion

The EPC urges the European Commission to recognise the indispensable role of media freedom in nurturing national cultures and facilitating democratic participation. The Culture Compass must reflect the urgent need to promote a financially sustainable editorial media, uphold copyright and IP law, all which can support culturally diverse content, and rebuild a culture of critical engagement—especially among younger generations. Only by doing so can Europe remain resilient, open, and united in the digital age.