Culture is the catalyst for Europe’s sustainable urban future 

Culture is not merely an ‘accessory’ to urban life, it is a driving force for sustainable, inclusive and thriving communities. It shapes cities’ identities and builds resilience in the face of complex challenges, writes Annette Christie, Glasgow deputy mayor for Culture, Sport and International Relations, and chairwoman of Eurocities Working Group on Arts and Culture in the Public Space.

With the cultural and creative sectors contributing nearly 4% to the EU’s GDP and supporting around eight million jobs, Europe must fully embrace culture's power.

As Glenn Micallef, new EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, has stated, culture is a “catalyst for urban regeneration, and for the attractiveness of our regions.”

Yet, despite these words, EU policy has not kept pace. New European Parliament research highlights critical gaps in how the EU integrates culture into its frameworks. To thrive, the EU must close these gaps.

A force for transformation

The upcoming EU Culture Compass is an opportunity for the European Commission to recognize culture as a driver of change. In tackling social inequality and climate change, culture offers cities transformative tools, strengthening local economies, creating jobs and improving people’s quality of life.

Culture is also key to sustainability. When woven into urban planning, it enriches public spaces, encourages sustainable tourism, and brings climate action into design and heritage preservation. This not only makes cities greener but also more liveable, with vibrant spaces that connect communities.

A city that prioritises culture, heritage and architecture doesn’t just preserve its past, it builds an inclusive and dynamic future. For Europe’s cities to truly thrive, culture must be embedded at the heart of EU policymaking.

A call for sustainable culture

Cities are already leading the charge. The Eurocities Lille Call to Action on Sustainable Culture, signed so far by 51 European cities, outlines commitments to tackling climate change, promoting social inclusion and enhancing cultural participation.

Many cities are also involved in the European Heritage Hub, an EU-funded pilot project supporting a more sustainable, digital and inclusive society.

A key example of city commitment is the £68 million refurbishment of Glasgow’s Burrell Collection, co-curated with input from over 15,000 local people.

The redesign prioritises accessibility, featuring British Sign Language, multilingual digital displays, and inclusive volunteer programmes, breaking down barriers for families, older people, neurodiverse communities, and those with mobility disabilities.

As Glasgow marks the 850th anniversary of its city charter, it is building on this legacy with a year-long celebration highlighting the city’s transformation over the past 50 years. Its new cultural strategy prioritises sustainability, embedding culture in broader social and environmental initiatives.

Sustainable culture needs sustainable architecture

Culture thrives in welcoming, accessible spaces designed with people in mind. Sustainable architecture and urban planning are key to this vision.

Architecture is not just about buildings - it’s about people. Well-designed public spaces make cities more liveable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly. They create places where people connect, create, and share.

The New European Bauhaus initiative provides a framework for embedding sustainable and inclusive design in urban development. However, for this vision to succeed, the EU must give cities access to the right tools, resources and partnerships.

Collaboration for a stronger future

Cities cannot drive cultural transformation alone. They need to learn from one another. The EU should promote long-term peer learning programmes, enabling cities to share good practices, adapt successful models, and innovate together.

No city has all the answers, but every city has insights to offer. Encouraging collaboration will help develop smarter, more inclusive, and more effective cultural policies.

This spirit of collaboration is especially urgent as cities tackle social inequality, climate change, and economic uncertainty. Initiatives that encourage cities to share experiences will generate innovative solutions tailored to local needs.

Today’s culture shapes tomorrow’s cities

For Europe’s cities to thrive, investment in culture is essential. This is not just about preserving the past but building a shared, inclusive future.

Sustained EU support is needed, including innovation funding and partnerships across public, private and non-profit sectors. Culture is more than a tool for social inclusion; it is also an engine for economic justice. Economically disadvantaged people must have equal access to culture, not just as spectators but as creators and participants.

Cultural sector employment can lift people out of poverty and create pathways for creative careers. Culture is not just about enjoyment; it is about opportunity and equity.

Glasgow: A cultural transformation

As one of the first European Capitals of Culture in 1990, Glasgow understands the transformative power of the title. It boosts tourism and leaves a lasting legacy of creativity and community. That is why we support Eurocities’ proposals to evolve the title, ensuring that citizen engagement is a key selection criterion.

The revamped Capital of Culture should also reflect sustainability, digital transformation and the links between culture, health and wellbeing. These are the foundations of a more connected and resilient Europe.

As Glasgow celebrates its 850th anniversary in 2025, we invite the EU to work with cities to embrace these vital recommendations. We have recognised this in Glasgow’s Culture Strategy 2024-2030 and our Tourism Plan, Events Strategy and International Strategy, all of which highlight culture’s contribution to the local economy.

Culture is not a cost - it’s an investment

If the EU wants vibrant, green, and inclusive urban environments, it must prioritise culture in policymaking.

Culture is not a drain on public resources; it is an investment that pays dividends, including better jobs, stronger communities, and healthier, happier cities.

Glasgow supports calls for access to culture to be included in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and argues for its inclusion in the European Pillar of Social Rights.

Failing to seize this opportunity would mean missing out on one of Europe’s most powerful drivers of transformation.

The choice is clear: invest in culture today, and Europe’s cities will thrive tomorrow.

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