The European Union Network of Institutes of Culture (EUNIC)

What is EUNIC?

EUNIC includes 36 national institutes of culture and national bodies engaged in cultural relations and cultural diplomacy

The members of the Network believe in sharing good practices, promoting cultural diversity and mutual understanding across cultures. In 2006 they established EUNIC to build stronger partnerships and work together to connect cultures at the global level.

The EUNIC is a partner of the European Commission and of other European institutions in defining and implementing a European cultural policy. It aims to become the delivery, research and training partner of choice for cultural diplomacy and cultural relations at European and international level by 2025.

EUNIC has a General Assembly, which brings together all the Heads of the member organisations, and is governed by the Board of Directors. The work of EUNIC is supported by the Global Office in Brussels, which develops the clusters (over 100 around the world), notably collaboration platforms where at least 3 local offices of EUNIC members (and maximum 20) operate together. Clusters can operate nationwide or city-wide. It is important to note that a EUNIC cluster represents the whole network and not only those members present in a country/location. The aim of clusters is to pool resources together, exchange best practice and collaborate with local, national and international organisations to build trust and understanding across cultures.

EUNIC also works through Focal Points that are representatives from member organisations who are appointed by Heads to work closely on EUNIC issues. They generally do not have the authority to independently make the final decisions about any given agreement, but they do have a role as they put forward ideas of agreements to the General Assembly.

In 2017, the EU and the EUNIC made a major step forward towards an improved cooperation in the field of cultural activities. The administrative arrangement between the two organisations outlines joint principles, values and objectives, which are intended to underpin their cooperation, identifying the priority areas and all practical aspects of its implementation.

EUNIC has developed four areas of activity and the related tools to building capacity in Europe and abroad:

• Knowledge Sharing Workshops

• Training and Professional Development

• Monitoring and Evaluation

• Digital Cultural Relations