The EU supports arts and culture as an engine for sustainable social and economic development, promotes it for peaceful inter-community relations, and reinforces cooperation on cultural heritage. Cultural diversity is emblematic of the EU and is used to connect people, share values and improve international relations with ASEAN. In line with its external strategy for culture, the EU supports international cultural relations and cooperation with cultural and creative sectors worldwide, sharing insights on cultural policy, facilitating networking, carrying out activities with cultural stakeholders, and developing training programmes for cultural leadership.

In South-East Asia, EU Delegations work with artists and creative industries, partnering with film festivals, cultural exhibitions, concerts, conferences, artistic prizes and awards. EU film festivals around the world reach out to make Europe, its values and its stories known, and include side events and trainings to foster dialogue and mutual understanding with local audiences and partners in ASEAN.