ABSTRACT
This chapter contributes to an understanding of the contribution of public authorities to the immediate relief of the cultural ecosystem in Europe in the face of the pandemic. It reviews and discusses the key policy responses put in place by the member states of the European Union and the United Kingdom from the beginning of the COVID-19 health crisis to the late summer of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic also spurred a supranational response. A certain number of measures have been put in place by European institutions in favour of member states. These initiatives are substantially different from those of individual countries. On top of that, social security schemes have proved unable to protect the weakest categories of the CCSs – non-standard workers – who frequently cannot even access the support measures put in place due to their status. The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to have profound and lasting effects on how culture is produced and enjoyed.
