The White Paper on the "Relationship between Museums and Municipalities in Europe" presented by the Commission, underscores the synergies and differences relating to the analysis of the museums’ missions and to the shared expectations of museums and municipalities. The paper has been written jointly by representatives of the Musée du Louvre and the Université Paris I Sorbonne.

Representatives of Musée du Louvre and Université Paris I Sorbonne wrote the White Paper on the "Relationship between Museums and Municipalities in Europe", which is the main outcome of the activities organized by the "Museums and Municipalities", a European Policy Analysis Group. This document is supported by the European Commission under the Culture Programme.

The White Paper shows how the relationship between museums and municipalities has greatly evolved due to numerous factors. Municipalities have gradually acquired numerous collections which they entrust to museums, local authorities are taking on greater responsibilities as a result of decentralization, and the financial crisis has caused the State to reduce contributions to museums. Thus, one of the conclusions drawn from the White Paper, whether museums are public or private they are weaving closer and closer ties with corresponding municipalities and are becoming more aware of their role in contributing to social and economic development.