On 14 July 2026, the co-Chairs of the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) group of member states' experts presented their report on the green transition of the cultural and creative sectors to delegations following the Cultural Affairs Committee meeting. The Council has clarified that the document reflects the views of the third-party authors and does not constitute an official position of the Council or its members.
The report, produced by a group of national experts under the OMC framework, examines how cultural and creative sectors can reduce their environmental footprint and contribute to broader EU sustainability goals. The presentation covered potential measures such as improving energy efficiency in cultural venues, promoting sustainable tourism, and reducing waste in creative production. The OMC group's work is part of a broader EU effort to integrate green transition objectives across all policy areas, including culture.
The presentation follows a series of EU initiatives on sustainability in the cultural sector. In 2023, the European Commission adopted a recommendation on the green transition of cultural heritage, and in 2024, the Council adopted conclusions on culture and the European Green Deal. The OMC group was established in 2025 to develop practical guidance for member states on implementing green practices in cultural and creative industries.
The report is expected to inform future policy discussions within the Council and the Commission. However, the Council's disclaimer underscores that the document is a stakeholder input rather than a binding policy proposal. Member states may use the findings to shape national strategies, but no immediate legislative action is anticipated at the EU level.
The presentation did not include specific numerical targets or mandatory measures, focusing instead on voluntary guidelines and best practices. Stakeholders in the cultural sector, including museums, theatres, and creative businesses, may face pressure to adopt greener operations, but the report does not impose new compliance costs. Environmental groups may welcome the attention to sustainability, while some industry representatives could raise concerns about the financial burden of transitioning without dedicated EU funding.