Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001798/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)
The imposition of a fine on the ticket management company at the Colosseum for fabricating shortages in order to resell tickets at higher prices constitutes the tip of the iceberg of the commercialisation of culture in the EU. Such practices are direct consequences of the long-standing direction of the EU and governments – including New Democracy in Greece – whose latest development is called the ‘European agenda for culture’.
In Greece, by the same token, priority for visiting the Acropolis area is given to groups of tourists from large tourist agencies and cruise ships, who – as is well known – visit the Acropolis early in the morning, while school students, who have free entry and do not generate profits, are excluded during these hours.
At the same time, the Government has awarded, under a contract worth EUR 11 million, the management of tickets for the archaeological sites of Knossos, Ancient Olympia and Epidaurus to private individuals for the next two years. Emblematic archaeological sites, such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion and others, are being given over for advertising campaigns, fashion shows and other lifestyle events.
What is the Commission’s position on the fact that the ‘European Agenda for Culture’ and, more generally, the policy of the EU and governments, by promoting so-called ‘participatory financing’ and public-private partnerships, are turning culture into a profitable and competitive field for business groups and into an extremely expensive and inaccessible ‘commodity’ for the people?
Submitted: 2.5.2025