In recent years, cultural sectors across Europe have faced significant financial challenges. With the local funding drying up, the need for the sector to explore alternative sources of support, for example from the EU funding, has become more pressing. Here are some insights into the impact of funding cuts in Finland, Sweden and Germany, and into the potential of role of the EU in supporting cultural initiatives. Spinverse can provide advisory services to identify funding instruments for the culture sector.
Finland: the cultural sector under strain
For the 2025 state budget, the Finnish government has proposed severe cuts of approximately EUR 17 million to the arts and culture sectors as part of its austerity measures. Key institutions and national “crown jewels”, such as the Ateneum Art Museum and the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, will face severe reductions in state funding, impacting their ability to host exhibitions and maintain operations. Several museums have been forced to cut down the number of employees or opening times to be able to cope with the situation. These measures have sparked protests from cultural professionals who fear the long-term impact on employment and access to the arts.
Sweden: abolishing free admission and slashing budgets
According to a review carried out in 2025 by the Swedish Agency for Cultural Policy Analysis, the national budget for 2024 included several cuts in public spending on arts and culture, the largest of which concerned support for popular adult education. The Agency has also identified the economic circumstances of the cultural sector as a threat to artistic freedom, along with “hate, threats and harassment”, as well as various forms of political control with and without direct financial connections.
Germany: Berlin's cultural crisis
Berlin's cultural sector has played a large role in the city’s evolution from the “poor but sexy” days to the current investors-friendly version of itself. And yet, despite having its club culture recognised as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, the cultural sectors in Berlin have been slapped with major cuts of up to EUR 130 million from its cultural budget for 2025. This 12% reduction has raised concerns about potential venue closures and the city's cultural standing. Some minor cultural projects have seen their funding cut by a 100% but even major and revered theatres are facing serious reductions, that may lead to cancelled productions and non-renewal of staff contracts.
The role of EU funding in supporting the cultural sector
As local funding for culture continues to diminish, the importance of EU support becomes increasingly evident. The Creative Europe programme, for instance, continues to provide substantial funding for cultural and creative sectors. For 2025, the programme's budget is approximately EUR 340 million. This funding is crucial for supporting projects that promote cultural diversity, social inclusion and international cooperation.
While local funding cuts pose significant challenges, EU funding offers a lifeline for cultural sectors across Europe. By tapping into these resources, cultural institutions can continue to thrive and contribute to the rich tapestry of European culture.
Among Spinverse’s funding advisory services, a funding roadmap can be a feasible option to identify the funding options for museums seeking for additional support to keep our cultural heritage alive and accessible to everyone.
Would you be interested in learning more about the public funding opportunities for the cultural sector? Get in touch with us! 
Ph.D. Veronica Santini, Senior Manager, Smart Cities & Mobility
veronica.santini@spinverse.com