This Week in Arts & Culture — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission proposes restoring Hungary’s Erasmus+ access; EU registers Nivegy-völgy PDO; von der Leyen speech on children’s rights and AI.
September 21, 2026 to September 27, 2026
Commission proposes restoring Hungary’s Erasmus+ access; EU registers Nivegy-völgy PDO; von der Leyen speech on children’s rights and AI.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Culture and Education (CULT): On September 28, the European Parliament's Committee on Culture and Education (CULT) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; “AI in Cultural and Creative Sectors: Opportunities, Challenges and Legislative Limitations in the Audiovisual, Publishing and Music Streaming sectors" – Briefing presentation organised by the Policy Department for Citizens, Equality and Culture (PolDep IUST-A) for the Committee on Culture and Education; Chair’s announcements.
European Commission
Commission proposes to reinstate Hungary’s access to Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe
On 22 September 2026, the European Commission proposed to the Council that €4.2 billion in Cohesion funding be unlocked for Hungary and that full access to Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe be restored for Hungarian students and researchers. The Commission assessed remedies notified by Hungary on 9 September 2026 and concluded that previously identified weaknesses regarding rule of law, public procurement, and anti-corruption frameworks have been addressed. Hungary reinforced the powers of the Integrity Authority, established a new asset declaration system, and extended judicial review over investigative and prosecution decisions. The proposal follows the Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/2506 of 15 December 2022, under which protective measures had been in place. If the Council adopts the proposal, the suspension of funds and restrictions on Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe will be lifted. The Council now has one month to decide on the Commission’s recommendation.
President von der Leyen addresses children’s rights in the age of Artificial Intelligence
On 21 September 2026, President Ursula von der Leyen spoke at a high-level dialogue on ‘Protecting Children's Rights facing Artificial Intelligence’, detailing EU efforts to safeguard children online. She cited data from the July Eurobarometer showing that 92% of Europeans support increased protection for children online. Von der Leyen described the recently presented EU KIDS Act, which would prohibit social media use under age 13 and restrict personal accounts for those aged 13–15. The act proposes parental supervision for minors and a reversal of the burden of proof, requiring platforms to demonstrate child safety. Von der Leyen referenced the Meta settlement as evidence of industry shortcomings and outlined the Commission’s expert panel on children’s digital rights. The KIDS Act is intended to address concerns about algorithmic harms and lengthy enforcement timelines under the DSA and DMA.
Annual report details erosion of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong
The European Commission and the High Representative published the 28th annual report on developments in Hong Kong, covering 2025. The report notes a continued decline in Hong Kong’s autonomy and fundamental freedoms, citing the fifth year of the National Security Law’s application. High-profile prosecutions of pro-democracy activists and politicians were highlighted, alongside new extra-territorial arrest warrants for overseas activists. Economic relations remain substantial, with the EU listed as Hong Kong’s sixth-largest trading partner in goods and tenth in services. The report also noted the disbandment of opposition parties and legislative setbacks for same-sex partnerships. The findings are submitted to both the European Parliament and the Council.
EU report on Macao outlines increased restrictions on civil society
On 21 September 2026, the Commission and the High Representative released their 26th annual report on Macao, reviewing 2025. The document points to further erosion of rights under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework, particularly after amendments to the Law on Safeguarding of National Security. The first arrest under the amended law took place in July 2025. The closure of independent media and candidate disqualifications prior to the Legislative Assembly election were noted. The report also details economic ties, with the EU as Macao’s second-largest trading partner and significant investor. The report was sent to the European Parliament and the Council.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Registration of ‘Nivegy-völgy / Nivegy-völgyi’ (PDO) as a geographical indication
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2105 of 14 September 2026 registers ‘Nivegy-völgy / Nivegy-völgyi’ as a protected designation of origin (PDO) under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143. The geographical indication, applied for by Hungary, was entered into the Union register following the absence of opposition statements. The regulation enters into force on the twentieth day after publication in the Official Journal (OJ L 2026/2105, 21.9.2026).
EU Council
General Affairs Council debates rule of law and legislative agenda
On 22 September 2026, ministers at the General Affairs Council held a policy debate on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034, initiated preparations for the October European Council, and discussed legislative programming for 2027. The Council also exchanged views on general rule of law trends within the EU and among selected candidate countries.
What We're Reading This Week
- Jorge Palma (1950-2026): the songs that will never die: Jorge Palma's enduring musical legacy continues to inspire generations through timeless songs cherished across Portugal and beyond.
- Tom Cruise says AI won’t mean the end of cinema: 'People want to see real things': Tom Cruise asserts that audiences still crave authentic cinematic experiences despite advances in artificial intelligence technology.
- Books: Publishers and authors navigate shifting markets as digital sales, new genres, and AI reshape the book industry landscape.
- Paramount Skydance: 'Bluff or not, relocation blackmail always works': Executives leverage relocation threats to influence negotiations, highlighting how such tactics remain effective in corporate dealmaking.
- Pangram founder Max Spero has 'no doubt' about AI use in Thélyson Orélien's best-selling novel: Max Spero asserts AI played a significant role in the creation of Thélyson Orélien's acclaimed novel.
