Pass Culture Reform: Removal and Reduction for Young People

A decree published in the Official Journal this Friday officially implements significant changes to the Pass Culture program, with notable consequences for young people. Starting this Saturday, those under 17 will no longer benefit from the individual credit for purchasing cultural goods, marking a shift in the program’s evolution. Additionally, the allocation for 18-year-olds will be halved, from 300 to 150 euros.

A New Approach: Simplification and Targeted Support

Beneficiaries who are 17 years old will now receive a 50-euro credit, and at 18, they will receive 150 euros. Young people with disabilities or from disadvantaged social backgrounds will be granted an additional 50 euros. This reform, signed by Prime Minister François Bayrou and several ministers, including the Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, aims to simplify access to culture by offering a clearer progression toward cultural autonomy for young people. The Ministry of Culture clarified that, starting at 15 and 16 years old, young people will continue to have access to free offers and exclusive cultural events through the Pass Culture app.

Since its launch in January 2022, the Pass Culture granted a credit of 20 euros at 15 years old, 30 euros at 16 and 17 years old, and 300 euros at 18 years old. However, the Court of Auditors pointed out, at the end of 2024, that the initiative had not fully achieved its objectives, particularly in terms of reducing inequalities and bringing culture closer to young people who are most distant from it.

The Program’s Cost and Ongoing Criticism

This program represents a cost of more than 200 million euros per year for the state. While the individual portion has been widely adopted by young people, it has also been the subject of much criticism. Meanwhile, the collective portion, dedicated to cultural projects for middle and high school students, continues to be popular with teachers. However, they expressed their dissatisfaction after the announcement of the freeze on the budget for this collective portion until the end of the school year, calling the decision a “hammer blow” to cultural education.

The Pass Culture reform, while aiming to make access to culture clearer and more gradual, raises questions about its effectiveness in truly bringing young people closer to cultural practices, particularly those who are the most distanced from them.