Headlines from the EU

Image credit: STRASBOURG, FRANCE - 18 Jul 2019: Plenary room of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (Shutterstock)

The Leaders of the New Mandate Period 

The period following the European Parliament elections is one of intense negotiations. At this very moment, the European Parliament is convened in Strasbourg to make key decisions on leadership roles for the coming years. Their vote on Tuesday (16 July) confirmed Roberta Metsola (Maltese European People’s Party – EPP) as President of the European Parliament. On Thursday, 18 July the election of the President of the next European Commission is scheduled. Will Ursula von der Leyen win the backing of the European Parliament for a second term?  

Election of the next European Parliament CULT Committee Chair  

The European Parliament is also set to discuss its committees this week, including the Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education (CULT). Keep an eye out for the appointments here, as this committee spearheads many policy topics relevant to the higher arts education community. The Patriots for Europe, a right-wing nationalist populist group, made known their ambition to have one of their representatives become Chair of the CULT Committee, which has triggered major concern from stakeholders from the cultural and creative industries and sectors in recent weeks.  

In fact, the CulturalDealEU partners have published an urgent statement on the Election of the European Parliament’s CULT Committee Chair. ELIA joins its colleagues and representative network, Culture Action Europe (CAE), in urging the European Parliament “to ensure that the appointment of the Chair, Vice-Chairs and members of the CULT Committee is made with great care. A big responsibility rests with the European Parliament to champion culture as a crucial pillar in the necessary transformation of Europe towards a sustainable and peaceful future.” Read the full statement here.  

The New European Commission  

On Wednesday, 17 July, the European Parliament is set to vote on the next President of the European Commission. As all eyes are turned to Ursula von der Leyen to see whether she will be confirmed for a second turn, it is equally relevant to start thinking about the next College of Commissioners.  

In the period 2020-2024, higher arts education fell under the portfolio of the Commissioner for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture. Will the scope of this portfolio remain the same? And what will the mandate of the next commissioner look like? Our colleagues from CAE, Europa Nostra and European Cultural Foundation proposed a provocative ‘Mission Letter’ to the next Commissioner. Who knows? It may just serve as inspiration.