EU governments want to cut 30% from AgoraEU, the proposed programme supporting culture, media and civil society. EL*C joined journalists, cultural workers and activists in the streets to demand a budget that protects our rights and freedoms.
Cutting AgoraEU means cutting support for democracy and lesbian rights
EU governments are trying to save money on the backs of organisations combating domestic violence, fighting racism, defending women’s and LGBTI rights and safeguarding democracy.
For lesbian organisations, the proposed cut threatens the few resources we have fought to secure over the past years. At a time when fascism is on the rise, withdrawing this support puts our communities at greater risk.
Civil society organisations are often the only source of support for people facing oppression. They provide essential services, build communities and maintain safer spaces for those who would otherwise have nowhere to turn. Cutting their funding means weakening that protection.
Democracy needs resources, not empty promises
The consequences would reach beyond civil society, affecting the cultural sector and independent media too.
EU governments pay lip service to protecting democracy while undermining the organisations, spaces and voices that sustain it. In the face of a far-right resurgence, this is a deliberate and dangerous political choice.
Under the European Commission’s proposal, AgoraEU would represent around 0.4% of the EU budget. Apparently, even this small share is too much for Member States willing to reduce investment in equality, democracy, culture and media.
These resources represent a tiny fraction of the EU budget. For our organisations and the communities we support, they can determine whether essential work continues at all.
Together, we demand better
EL*C took to the streets alongside journalists, cultural workers and activists to demand:
- Stop the proposed 30% cut to AgoraEU.
- Secure at least €10 billion for culture, media and civil society.
- Protect funding for civil society organisations defending gender equality, advancing women’s and LGBTI rights and combating gender-based violence.
We demand an EU budget that supports everyone’s freedom to live without violence and discrimination. To love who we love and be who we are, without shame or fear. To create, speak and tell stories freely. To organise and stand up for our rights without interference or intimidation.
