EU culture ministers meet in Nicosia for informal council

The informal meeting of European Union Ministers of Culture is taking place on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Nicosia, under the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. Chaired by Deputy Minister of Culture Dr. Vasiliki Kassianidou, the summit focuses on the protection of cultural rights and the combat against the illicit trafficking of cultural goods. Ministers are participating in two round-table discussions held at the Nicosia Conference Center. The first session examines cultural policy, emphasizing the role of culture as a democratic public good, creativity, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the sector. The second session addresses challenges posed by armed conflicts and reviews legislative approaches to prevent illegal trade in artifacts. Delegations arrived on Monday, June 1, and participated in guided tours of local museums as part of the event's cultural program. The summit aims to foster collaboration among member states on these pressing cultural sector issues.