Libraries in EU Cultural Policy: An EBLIDA advocacy event hosted by PL2030

Day 1 – Institutional Dialogue and Thematic World Café

EBLIDA Experts Groups members, representatives of the European Commission and key stakeholders were brought together to share insights, spark dialogue around “Libraries in EU Cultural Policy: From Recommendations to Action”.

The afternoon opened with a warm welcome from EBLIDA President Erna Winters and Muntpunt Director Roel van den Sigtenhorst. Participants then heard a series of high-level interventions that highlighted the central role of libraries in European priorities:

• Judith Videcoq, Head of the Creative Europe Unit (DG EAC),  spoke about future European funding opportunities underlining the proposed AgoraEU, a planned merger of Creative Europe and CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values);
• Natasa Asik, from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) and project manager of ELAN, introduced the recent publication “The Multifaceted Role of Public Libraries”. The report offers a clear overview of EU-funded projects and illustrates the diverse and increasingly strategic roles public libraries play within Europe’s social fabric;
• Klaas Gommers (VOB, NL), Co-Chair of the OMC Group and André Wilkens, Director of the European Cultural Foundation shared an overview of the OMC report as well as their reflections on the uptake and implementation of these recommendations at local, regional, national, and European levels;
• finally, Louis Coiffait-Gunn, CEO of CILIP (the UK Library and Information Association), concluded the session with a presentation stressing how essential libraries are as partners in tackling today’s social and economic challenges, drawing on UK experience.

After a short break, participants joined a World Café focused on four hot topics for public libraries : essential social services, economic resilience and professional development, democracy and civic participation, and bridging the digital divide. This collaborative format allowed for an exchange of experiences, ideas and priorities in an atmosphere firmly oriented towards action.
The day concluded with a brief collective wrap-up and a networking session.

Day 2 – Advocacy Workshop and ELAN Experts Groups Work

Only the members of the ELAN Expert Groups were invited to stay with us during this second day to take part in advocacy workshops and work on their respective group’s agenda.

This full day started in an inspiring atmosphere with an advocacy workshop facilitated by Ilona Kish (PL2030). After a short introduction, she invited the participants to take part in a simple exercise: standing in a circle, each participant would share a word and then pass a ball of wool to someone else. The result of this little ice-breaker allowed to visually show (see picture below) that libraries in Europe hold great potential as a network and unified voice. With this in mind, Each group went on to examine its areas of focus and expected outcomes for the year ahead, followed by a discussion of longer-term ambitions through 2028, the final year of ELAN.

EBLIDA team introduced the afternoon session with a presentation on the role of ELAN Experts Groups within the project, each group developed a mind map outlining the first orientations of its 2026 action plan. At the end of the session, all six groups presented their proposals to the full audience, paving the way for a shared and structured vision for the years ahead.

These two days confirmed how committed the sector is to turning recommendations into real, meaningful action with great energy. We are happy to take part in it !