Government to continue funding for Creative Europe projects in no-deal Brexit scenario

Projects funded by Creative Europe will continue to receive support from the government if the UK leaves the EU without a deal next month, following new legislation.

It is intended to put contingency arrangements in place in case no deal is struck before March 29 and the EU decides to cease funding Creative Europe projects involving a UK organisation.

Creative Europe currently funds schemes across the creative industries through two programmes – culture and media – providing a total of €1.46 billion to cultural projects.

On exit day, it is estimated that Creative Europe will have between 160 and 200 projects involving a UK organisation. According to the government, about €18.9 million has been awarded to British organisations through these projects, with approximately €8.9 million left to be paid.

However, this figure is dependent on the EU allowing all current projects to continue and the amount paid out could be affected in a no-deal outcome.

The government is using a statutory instrument to grant the culture secretary Jeremy Wright powers to provide financial assistance in the event that the EU ceases to provide funding following no deal.

A statutory instrument enables the government to introduce legislation without having to pass a new act, allowing it to be enacted more quickly.

While not representing a policy change, the legislation enables the government to deliver a guarantee made last year to all UK organisations that it will underwrite funding secured through EU programmes until the end of 2020.

The new legislation also covers projects in the Europe for Citizens programme, which is intended to encourage citizens’ understanding of the EU, its history and diversity. There is thought to be about £170,000 left to fund to projects involving UK companies.

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