Skip to main content

Audience Data on the EU Agenda: The Next Step

With Belgium as EU president, the topic of 'audience data' has been placed on the EU agenda. That was the first important step, but of course, the work is far from done. Together with EU partners, efforts have been made in recent times to firmly anchor the topic and take concrete steps. “The importance of data-driven work, particularly with audience data, is widely recognized,” says Maaike Verberk, director at DEN.  

21 apr `26

Next Steps

To elevate European cooperation on audience data to the next level, an extensive policy document has been written and recently published: European Policy Paper on Data-Driven Audience Development (DDAD). This document is in English and has been drafted in collaboration with several European member states, including the Netherlands. Maaike: “This document demonstrates the role audience data can play in strengthening the cultural and creative sector in Europe. It describes how collecting, analyzing, and sharing audience data can lead to better insights into audience reach, participation, and cultural engagement. This document aims to provide direction for policy and European cooperation on audience data, and to highlight the next steps needed to further develop data usage in the sector.” 

Opportunities and Challenges

This policy document outlines the key opportunities and challenges surrounding data usage and includes recommendations to enhance knowledge and skills related to data-driven work, develop shared standards, and make practical tools available. It is intended for policymakers, sector organizations, and other stakeholders working on cultural policy, audience development, and data infrastructures.  

European Cultural Policy in the Future

“We hope and expect that the European Commission will adopt this document, so that it becomes part of future European cultural policy,” Maaike concludes. “This could also translate into new or renewed funding opportunities within international European collaborations.”  

Share this news article