Landmark Decision to Secure Social and Professional Rights for Artists and Creatives
Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper), In a significant move, the plenary of the European Parliament has approved a groundbreaking legislative initiative aimed at establishing a comprehensive EU framework to address the social and professional challenges faced by artists and workers in the cultural and creative sectors.
The report, championed by EPP MEP Antonius Manders, an artist himself and the rapporteur for the file in the EMPL committee, focuses on defining a clear and understandable status for artists. It seeks to ensure access to social security, guarantee decent working conditions, address cross-border challenges, and strengthen the role of social partners and collective bargaining.
Manders emphasized the importance of recognizing the dual identity of artists as both cultural contributors and workers. “Artists and creators are keeping alive the culture that makes Europe what it is. But we cannot forget that they are workers too and therefore should be treated and protected as such,” he stated.
The legislation also aims to support education, training opportunities, and career development within the cultural and creative sectors while taking decisive measures against workplace harassment and discrimination.
EPP MEP Loucas Fourlas, the EPP Group negotiator for the file in the CULT committee, highlighted the vital role played by the arts, culture, and creative sectors in Europe’s prosperity, social cohesion, and economy. “Individuals working in the cultural and creative sectors are crucial to the process of European integration,” Fourlas emphasized.
Many artists currently face precarious and unstable working conditions, inconsistent income, fixed-term employment contracts, and limited social security. The approved framework seeks the recognition, adequate support, and protection of those working in the cultural and creative sector.
The legislation signals a commitment to the integration of artistic education, the promotion of gender equality, and ensuring artistic freedom in the cultural and creative fields. With this historic decision, the European Parliament takes a significant step toward acknowledging the invaluable contributions of artists and cultural workers and ensuring their rights are safeguarded in the evolving landscape of the European Union.
