Culture as a Bridge: Robert Alagjozovski on European Cultural Policy

Robert Alagjozovski, River Cities member and former Minister of Culture of North Macedonia, spoke at the anniversary event marking 45 Years Magazin international in Vienna. In his lecture, he addressed the role of European cultural policy as a framework for dialogue, cooperation and international understanding.

At the center of his contribution was a clear argument: culture must not be understood as an instrument of political agendas, but as an autonomous field with its own intrinsic value. While traditional concepts such as cultural diplomacy often serve national interests, European cultural policy—at its best—creates enabling structures for artists:innen and cultural actors:innen to collaborate across borders on their own terms.

Alagjozovski emphasized that cultural cooperation plays a crucial role in strengthening social cohesion. It allows people to better understand differences, engage in dialogue and challenge prejudices. In this sense, culture becomes a space where trust can emerge—an essential condition for any sustainable international relationship.

Drawing on experiences from Southeast Europe, he highlighted how cultural connections can persist even in regions marked by conflict. Shared cultural practices and networks often create forms of proximity and understanding that go beyond political divisions. Culture, in this context, acts as a long-term infrastructure of connection.

At the same time, he pointed to ongoing challenges. International cultural cooperation still suffers from limited funding and is often too strongly centered on state institutions. Civil society actors:innen and independent initiatives, which are frequently the most dynamic drivers of exchange, remain under-supported. Strengthening their role is therefore key to a more resilient and inclusive cultural policy.

Another critical issue concerns the role of the European Union itself. While the EU has developed strategies for international cultural relations, its competences remain limited, as cultural policy is largely shaped by member states. Expanding European coordination and investment in this field would allow for a more coherent and impactful approach.

In a global context increasingly shaped by political polarization and democratic backsliding, Alagjozovski called for a renewed commitment to the core values of cooperation, multilateralism and openness. Cultural policy, he argued, must not retreat in times of crisis but become more visible and more assertive.

To illustrate the power of cultural exchange, he referred to the Struga Poetry Festival in North Macedonia. Established during the Cold War, it provided a rare platform where writers:innen from different political blocs could meet. Such spaces demonstrate how culture can sustain dialogue even under conditions of geopolitical tension.

His conclusion was both simple and far-reaching: investment in culture is an investment in peace. Cultural cooperation fosters dialogue, builds trust and enables societies to remain connected across borders. In this sense, culture is not a secondary field, but a central pillar of international understanding.

For River//Cities, these perspectives resonate strongly. As a network that explores the relationship between cities, water and shared spaces, the initiative highlights how connections—whether cultural, social or ecological—are essential for shaping sustainable and inclusive urban futures.