Spain has been a member of the European Union since 1986. Within this framework, the Subdirectorate‑General for International Relations and the European Union performs key coordination functions, including the monitoring of the Ministry of Culture’s activities related to the European Union and other international organisations in the field of culture; participation in the preparation of international treaties, conventions and cooperation programmes; and the provision of advisory services regarding Spain’s involvement in international cultural organisations.
Spain actively participates in major European Union funding programmes, including Creative Europe and Horizon Europe (2021–2027), as well as Erasmus+ and other cooperation initiatives that promote cultural exchange, mobility and innovation. Spain also participates in the EEA and Norway Grants mechanisms, particularly in areas related to cultural and natural heritage, social inclusion, and cultural diversity.
With regard to the Council of Europe, of which Spain has been a member since 1977, the Subdirectorate‑General for International Cooperation, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, is responsible for coordinating and supporting Spain’s participation in Council activities. Spain joined the Faro Convention in December 2018.
Spanish institutions participate in around 30 certified Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, including the Ways of Santiago de Compostela, the European Routes of Jewish Heritage, the European Route of Industrial Heritage, Iter Vitis, and the Routes of the Olive Tree, among others.
Spain’s cultural cooperation with UNESCO, of which it has been a member since 1953, involves coordination and representation functions, including liaison between national authorities and UNESCO bodies, participation in intergovernmental processes, and cooperation with the Spanish National Commission for UNESCO.
The Ministry of Culture is responsible for implementing the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, ratified by Spain in December 2006. Reflecting this commitment, Spain was selected to host MONDIACULT 2025.
Within the Organisation of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture (OEI), of which Spain has been a member since 1949, the Ministry of Culture coordinates participation in the Ibero-American Conferences of Ministers of Culture.
Cooperation with the OEI is structured through sectoral programmes, including: ABINIA, IBERARCHIVOS-ADAI and RILVI (archives and libraries); IBERMEDIA (audiovisual sector); IBERMÚSICAS and IBERORQUESTAS JUVENILES (music); IBERMUSEOS (heritage and museums); FIPI (intellectual property); IBERESCENA (performing arts); and IBERBIBLIOTECAS (libraries).
Spain is also a signatory to the Andrés Bello Agreement (since 1982), which promotes cooperation in education, science and culture across Ibero-America. In addition, Spain is a member of (CERLALC), an intergovernmental organisation affiliated with UNESCO that supports reading and publishing policies in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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