The article was part of an ex ante assessment of the potential impact of the enlargement of the EU (from EU-15 to EU-27) in Catalonia, which comprised analysis of political, economic, social and cultural elements. Although the title of the article refers to cultural policies, reference is primarily made to the weaknesses and strengths of cultural agents in Catalonia and in the accession countries in the framework of European cultural cooperation. Difficulties found by cultural organisations in Catalonia to networking and to accessing international funding for cultural projects are highlighted, as are the fields of interest of incoming member states and how this could affect EU funding for cultural activities. The final sections identify areas where Catalan expertise is most relevant and could be used to strengthen cooperation with old and new member states, including cultural decentralisation, urban tourism, local broadcasting networks and linguistic diversity. Recommendations were thus made to public authorities and cultural organisations. Some excerpts of the article were used in the White Book on the Impact in Catalonia of the Enlargement of the EU.