National cultural institutes in the European Union

Logo from EUNIC

The National Cultural Institutes in the European Union (EUNIC for English: European Union National Institutes for Culture ) is the association of the cultural institutes of the member states of the European Union . The merger took place on February 21, 2007 in Brussels.

Task and organization

EUNIC is a network that operates beyond national borders and with a certain degree of autonomy from the respective governments. Its members currently include 27 organizations from 23 member countries of the European Union.

The purpose is to create a lasting partnership and network between the participating institutions in order to improve and promote cultural diversity and understanding between European societies as well as to strengthen international dialogue and cooperation with countries outside Europe.

EUNIC works on two complementary levels. The first level consists of the general secretaries or general directors of the national institutions. The second level comprises the cultural institutions in cities around the world that work together on joint projects. Since July 1st, 2012 there are more than 80 clusters or national networks worldwide.

EUNIC is led by an annual meeting of the heads of the member organizations. They elect a president, a first vice-president and a second vice-president from among their number. Each will hold the position for one year on a rotating basis. The presidents are supported by a team of three full-time employees.