08/05/2026 - A debate bringing together policymakers and professionals will focus on ensuring European funding continues to promote creation

A high-level delegation from the European Parliament, composed of nine Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including Vice-President Sabine Verheyen and vice-Chair of the CULT Committee and rapporteur on Agora EU Emma Rafowicz, will travel to engage with key stakeholders in the European audiovisual industry during the 79th Cannes Film Festival (12-23 May).

The visit reflects the Parliament’s strong commitment to supporting Europe’s cultural and creative sectors, at a crucial moment in discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, which will define future EU funding priorities.

The central moment of the delegation’s presence will take place on 16 May from 17:00 to 18:00 at the Main Stage of the Palais des Festivals, during a high-level panel discussion entitled “Invest in What Matters: Supporting Europe’s Film Sector in the Next EU Long-term Budget (MFF)”.

This flagship event will bring together EU policymakers, industry leaders and experts to discuss how EU financial support can best strengthen the European audiovisual and film sector in the next MFF. The debate will focus on ensuring that European funding instruments continue to promote cultural diversity, support European-based productions and enhance the global competitiveness of European content.

The discussion takes place in the context of the proposed Agora EU programme, which would bring together existing funding instruments for culture, media and EU values under a single framework. According to recent analysis, funding for culture, media and civil society is expected to increase significantly compared to the current budget, reflecting the strategic importance of these sectors for Europe’s economy and its democratic resilience.

The European Parliament has consistently underlined the need for strong and accessible funding for the audiovisual sector, stressing that demand for programmes such as Creative Europe has been high and often exceeds available resources. The Parliament is therefore advocating for an ambitious budget that matches the sector’s growing needs and strategic importance.

Beyond the panel discussion, the delegation will engage in a series of meetings with industry representatives, producers and institutional partners, reinforcing dialogue between policymakers and the audiovisual community. The presence of the European Parliament at Cannes highlights the importance of connecting EU policy-making with the realities of the creative sector.

By bringing this debate to one of the world’s most influential film festivals, the European Parliament aims to ensure that the future EU budget delivers meaningful support to Europe’s filmmakers, creators and cultural industries.