The European Union works to preserve Europe's shared cultural heritage and help make it accessible to all. It also supports and promotes the arts and creative industries in Europe. Support for the arts and creative industries takes the form of: ...

programmes to help them get the most out of digital technologies & the EU market; funding; help with research projects; support for cooperation with EU & non-EU partners.

The following EU policies have links with culture: education (including language learning); scientific research; support for IT & communications technologies; social policy; regional development. Under Regional Policy for example, the EU supports music schools, concert halls and recording studios and funds the restoration of historic theatres (e.g. the Teatro del Liceu, Barcelona, and the Fenice, Venice).

The Creative Europe Programme helps European cinema, the arts and the creative industries create more jobs and growth, building on the successful “Media”, “Media Mundus” and “Culture” programmes. With a €1.46 bn budget for 2014-2020, Creative Europe safeguards & promotes Europe's cultural and linguistic diversity & cultural richness; contributes to the EU's goal of smart, sustainable & inclusive economic growth; helps the arts & creative sectors adapt to the digital age & globalisation; opens up new international opportunities, markets & audiences; promotes economic development.

The EU supports prizes for cultural heritage, architecture, literature and music which highlight Europe's artistic achievements. Each year, 2 cities are picked as European Capitals of Culture. This enables them to celebrate their European identity, step up cooperation with arts organisations at home & abroad, boost local arts further. Their special status brings proven long-term benefits, both social and cultural.