Eric Thill: "Saving on culture is a disaster."

In an interview with Tageblatt, Luxembourg's Minister of Culture Eric Thill emphasised that despite budget constraints across Europe, "Luxembourg's culture will not go under the knife". Especially the film industry, whose funding increased by more than 10 per cent last year.

"Of course, times are challenging. The political situation has changed, especially after the re-election of Donald Trump and his new demands on NATO. But - for me and for the whole government - it is clear: culture cannot be economised on, even in a crisis. And in 2026, this will be doubly true," the minister said. He called the possible cuts a "social catastrophe".

"Cinema is not just an art form, but a social force"

Why was cinema prioritised? According to Thill, cinema is a source of collective experience, debate and critical perspectives on the world. It unites, builds identity and allows us to "experience other realities".

However, the minister immediately stipulated: the state does not dictate what a film should be. "My task is to create a structure in which cultural authors can freely express themselves, not to direct their creativity. It is they who shape the society in which other citizens see themselves and others," he explained.

In response to the typical reproach of filmmakers that films should not be reduced to functions, the minister emphasised: the state supports freedom of expression without imposing content. "Yes, cinema can carry a mission - but it is determined not by the minister, but by the author," he emphasised.

He also rejected the idea of opposing cinema to other forms of art: "Every cultural form is important. We try to provide decent funding for all areas. But yes, cinema does require a lot of resources - that's why it's especially important that people working in cinema can make a living from their art."