The EU has often been thought of as primarily a market-making mechanism. Yet it is above all a cultural project. The union’s founding values—respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights—are essentially cultural. What is more, so are the qualities needed for Europeans to live together in harmony: solidarity, fairness, courtesy, kindness, respect for the truth and a sense of humour.  

https://socialeurope.eu/europe-must-reimagine-its-cultural-policies/