From Federica Mogherini to Josep Borrell: The Evolving Nature of Cultural Relations and Cultural Diplomacy in Eu External Relations

In recent years the European Union (EU) has put a special focus on cultural policies in its external action, aiming to create multilateral relations through dialogue, cooperation and co-creation. However, this approach does not produce the same results in all countries, and is particularly challenging where and when democracy, rule of law and human rights are not respected. The aim of this thesis is to present the evolution of the EU's approach to cultural relations in the last years, and how and to what extent the war in Ukraine has affected the EU cultural relations with Russia and Belarus. To do so, I have examined academic literature, EU policy documents, articles, and conducted a number of interviews with EU officials and cultural policy experts. Taking into account recent geopolitical events from the annexation of Crimea in 2014, I will discuss how the EU’s liberal aims cope with the realist constraints infusing world’s order.