With the release of the European Union’s Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026, the EU aims to foster the development of libraries, and recognises libraries as providers of peaceful and safe environments for vulnerable people, and their role in Europe’s democratic, social, cultural, and educational landscape.

The adoption of this work plan sets out an exciting and innovative path for libraries to get involved at a national and European level. As part of the partnership between three major European library associations, PL2030, EBLIDA, and NAPLE, coordinated actions were taken to meet with policymakers and highlight the important work carried out by libraries across Europe.

Through this synchronised work, we have created an opportunity for Europe’s public libraries to be recognised and involved in the EU’s work. Now it is time to take part in the working methods listed in the Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026 and to get the libraries involved! With our session, we aim to inform the Flemish library sector about the progress of the work plan implementation and show possibilities to connect and get active at EU level.