The European Commission launched a new plan aimed at unlocking the full potential of the cultural and creative sectors in the EU to boost jobs and growth. In particular, this strategy aims to increase the competitiveness and export potential of these sectors, as well as to maximise their spill-over benefits for other areas such as innovation, ICT and urban regeneration.

The strategy, outlined in a document entitled "Promoting cultural and creative sectors for growth and jobs in the EU", presented by the European Commission envisages a series of policy initiatives and the promotion of a modern regulatory environment. The plan wants to increase the competitiveness and export potential of these sectors, as well as to maximise their spill-over benefits for other areas such as innovation, ICT and urban regeneration. In March 2012, Commission and Hungarian Presidency highlighted the role of culture as a driver for growth.

Cultural and creative sectors, which include companies and other organisations active in architecture, artistic crafts, cultural heritage, design, festivals, film and television, music, performing and visual arts, archives and libraries, publishing and radio, already account for up to 4.5% of GDP and up to 8.5 million jobs in the European Union. In particular, the new strategy focuses on skills development, access to finance, promotion of new business models, audience development, access to international markets and improved links to other sectors.

The Commission also intends with this plan to encourage stronger partnerships between different policies, in particular culture, education, industry, economic affairs, tourism, urban and regional development, and territorial planning. It also plans to mobilise EU funding to increase support for the sectors, notably through the proposed €1.8 billion 'Creative Europe' programme for 2014-2020 and through Cohesion Policy funds.