Czech Ministry of Culture releases new State Cultural Policy 2026‑2030, faces expert criticism

The Czech Ministry of Culture has drafted a new State Cultural Policy for 2026–2030, intending to replace the strategy approved by the government in October 2025. Minister Oto Klempíř presented the proposal, which shifts priorities toward the economic impact of culture, tourism development, audiovisual production and competitiveness, and calls for a budget increase of 3.42 billion CZK in 2027.

Critics argue the document was prepared solely by ministry officials without the broad expert participation that characterized the previous policy. Vít Richter, executive secretary of the Czech Librarians’ Association, noted that the new draft was not anticipated by the Central Library Council, while Adriana Světlíková of the Nová síť network highlighted the absence of external experts. The draft’s release surprised parts of the cultural community, and the ministry has opened a comment period until 4 August, allowing organisations, regions and other stakeholders to submit feedback.