The EU Backoffice, our new podcast series produced in cooperation with the European Network of Cultural Centres, unravels how the EU cultural policy process really works, bringing you beyond the headlines and into the corridors where decisions are taken.
Through expert interviews and debates with insiders, artists, and activists, our host Matéo Vigné takes the audience on a deep dive into the world of EU cultural policy, to shed light on who shapes the agenda, how the institutions work, and what challenges they face.
Episode #3 | Bridging the Gap: Communication Streams Between EU Institutions and Cultural Players
March 2026
This episode explores how cultural players can effectively connect with EU institutions and make their voices heard at the policy level. It unpacks the many routes of engagement that exist—from formal channels and consultation processes to the less visible networks that shape communication flows within Brussels.
The discussion examines how greater transparency, accessibility, and mutual understanding can transform these interactions into genuine dialogue, ultimately strengthening the relationship between cultural actors and EU decision-makers.
With: Sophie Bernaeerts (Director of the European Education and Culture Executive Agency), Maya Weisinger (Head of Communication and Community Development of Culture Action Europe), and Ziad Erraiss (former Project Manager at the Cultural Relations Platform and currently freelance expert working for the European Commission on cultural policy and international cultural relations matters).
Host: Matéo Vigné (Journalist)
Episode #2 | Shift in Parliament Distribution: Rise of the Far Right and Policy Impact
December 2025
This episode explores the rise of the far right in the European Parliament seat distribution since the most recent elections of 2024.
Now representing a quarter of the benches of the Parliament, far-right MEP contribute to a change in agenda, strategic work, narratives, and debate behaviour. How does this reset of the EU Parliament impact the positioning of culture and media policy in the EU debate?
With: André Ribeiro da Costa (Parliamentary Assistant to MEP Ana Catarina Mendes), Bernard Wilfred Krzyżowski (Parliamentary Assistant to MEP Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus) and Nela Riehl (Chair CULT Committee and MEP).
Host: Matéo Vigné (Journalist)
Episode #1 | Decrypting the EU's Cultural and Media Policy: Touching Base
October 2025
Cultural and media policy in the European Union is the result of a complex set of institutions, processes, and interactions. Understanding how these pieces fit together is essential.
This episode offers a structured overview of the main actors involved, from the European Commission to the Parliament and Council, as well as the agencies and programmes that translate policy into action. It explores how responsibilities are divided, how decisions are shaped and negotiated, and how different bodies interact within the broader EU framework.
By setting out this foundation, the interview and debate provide the shared reference point needed to follow the series’ upcoming explorations of European cultural and media policy in greater depth.
With: Benjamin Feyen (EU Policy Expert), Georg Haeusler (Director of Creativity, Culture, and Sport at the European Commission – DG EAC), Olga Perez (Policy Advisor – European Parliament).
Host: Matéo Vigné (Journalist)