Culture in Europeans' lives : where in the EU is culture valued the most?

79% of respondents across Europe say that culture is important to them personally, an increase of 2% compared to the previous survey in 2007. That’s what the most recent Eurobarometer survey shows.

The highest scores are found in Luxembourg with 92%, Cyprus with 89%, and Italy, also 89%. The lowest are Germany at 66%, Austria at 62%, and Romania, at 61%.

But culture isn’t just personal. 

For more than 8 out of 10 Europeans, culture and the arts are important for the welfare and economic development of the place they live. 

Again, Luxembourg - 93%, Portugal - 92%, and Italy - 91% lead the way, while Bulgaria - 77% and Austria, with 75% record the lowest levels.

Nearly half (49%) of Europeans engaged in artistic activities in the year before the survey, with dancing at 17% and singing at 15% as top activities. 

The survey was conducted between February–March 2025 with over 26,000 respondents across EU Member States and social and demographic groups

Its findings feed into the Culture Compass for Europe, the Commission’s strategy for cultural policy, expected by the end of the year.