The European Cultural Foundation (ECF) is one of Europe’s most significant non-profit organizations when it comes to promoting cultural diversity, democratic participation, and a vibrant sense of European belonging. Since its founding in 1954, the foundation has been committed to connecting people through cultural and social initiatives and shaping a shared European future. Among its greatest achievements is the co-initiation of the Erasmus programme, now the largest exchange programme in the world, with more than ten million participants. Today, the ECF continues to be a driving force behind important cultural projects—from supporting Ukrainian artists and libraries to advancing sustainable and democracy-strengthening initiatives across Europe.

Through programmes like the Europe Challenge, the European Cultural Foundation brings public libraries and local communities together to develop solutions for regional and European societal challenges. Since 2020, the Culture of Solidarity Fund has supported around 300 projects that strengthen cultural solidarity and highlight Ukrainian culture across Europe. In the field of European Digital Citizenship, the ECF is working toward an inclusive and human-rights-based digital public sphere that protects democracy, transparency, and privacy. A visible result of this work is the European news platform Display Europe. Additionally, the foundation invites people each year to consciously celebrate Europe Day. With its free online magazine Common Ground, it offers a platform that highlights current developments, debates, and perspectives on Europe’s future.

From its headquarters in Amsterdam, a team of 30 staff members from 16 countries works together with more than 60 partner organizations to pursue this mission. The European Cultural Foundation operates independently, non-profit, and without permanent public funding. Through its work, it makes an essential contribution to promoting cultural diversity and strengthening an open, inclusive, and socially cohesive European society.