The “Europa Nostra Awards” are granted annually to identify and promote best practices in the conservation of tangible cultural heritage, to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and experience throughout Europe , to enhance public awareness and appreciation of European cultural heritage, and to encourage further exemplary initiatives through the Power of Example.

Outstanding heritage achievements will be awarded in the following categories:

1. Conservation
2. Research
3. Dedicated Service by Individuals or Organisations
4. Education, Training and Awareness-Raising

Subject to the confirmation of the continuation of Europa Nostra’s partnership with the European Commission, the most outstanding achievements may also be awarded a monetary Prize of € 10 000 in each category in addition to Awards.

Criteria for the assessment of entries include excellence in the work executed and preliminary research conducted, as well as respect for artistic, cultural and social value, setting, authenticity and integrity. Special attention will also be paid to sustainability, interpretation and presentation, educational work, funding and management, and social responsibility. Entries can be on a scale ranging from small to large, local to international, and should display a standard of work considered outstanding in a European context.

Category 1: CONSERVATION

Outstanding achievements in the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage in the following areas:

• Single buildings or groups of buildings in rural or urban setting.
• Industrial and engineering structures and sites.
• Cultural landscapes: historic parks and gardens, larger areas of designed landscape, or areas of cultural, environmental ad/or agricultural significance.
• Archaeological sites, including underwater archaeology.
• Works of art and collections: collections of artistic and historic significance or old works of art.

Category 2: RESEARCH 

Category 3: DEDICATED SERVICE by INDIVIDUALS or ORGANISATIONS

Open to individuals or organisations whose contributions over a long period of time demonstrate excellence in the protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage (relating to the above-mentioned Category 1 areas) in Europe. The contribution should be of a standard which would be considered outstanding in the European context.

Category 4: EDUCATION, TRAINING and AWARENESS-RAISING

Outstanding initiatives related to heritage education, training schemes in cultural heritage conservation, and programmes for raising awareness on cultural heritage.