Europa Nostra awards its Medal of Honour to Androulla Vassiliou and the A. G. Leventis Foundation at ceremony in Nicosia
Press release (English – Greek) | Photos | Video recording
Europa Nostra, the leading European heritage civil society organisation, granted its highest recognition – the Europa Nostra Medal of Honour – to Androulla Vassiliou and the A. G. Leventis Foundation for their outstanding contributions to the promotion of the organisation’s mission and action, during the European Heritage Awards Ceremony 2026 held yesterday evening at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.
The Ceremony, which gathered some 500 heritage professionals, volunteers, enthusiasts and supporters from across Europe, was attended by H.E. the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, and other distinguished guests.
The Europa Nostra Medal of Honour is the highest distinction bestowed by Europa Nostra on personalities who have given exceptional service to the organisation. The Medal of Honour symbolises the deep appreciation for the honouree’s notable contribution and dedication to heritage, and for their role in strengthening the credibility, visibility and impact of the organisation.
Europa Nostra Medal of Honour to Androulla Vassiliou
After the end of her mandate as European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Androulla Vassiliou decided to get involved in Europa Nostra as an individual member and supporter. For more than 10 years, she has tirelessly promoted the organisation’s mission and action throughout Europe. Androulla Vassiliou has served, on a voluntary basis, as a member of the Europa Nostra Council and a member of the Jury of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. She is Vice-President of Europa Nostra and Chair of the Europa Nostra Heritage Hub in Nicosia.
Androulla Vassiliou received the Europa Nostra Medal of Honour from the Executive President of the organisation. Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger, in his address at the Ceremony in Nicosia, emphasised: “We are immensely grateful for your steadfast leadership, immense European experience, determination and passionate dedication to culture – both arts and heritage – as the true foundation of the entire European project. We wish to pay special tribute to your commitment to building peace and mutual understanding between different communities in Cyprus, also elsewhere in Europe and beyond.”
In her acceptance speech, Androulla Vassiliou stated: “This medal carries with it the responsibility to live in a way that honours the principles I served and to carry forward the values that brought me here. And to never forget that the true measure of service is not recognition but the impact we have on others and the principles that we serve. I accept this medal as an honour to the numerous volunteers from around Europe that dedicate their time and expertise serving our common values and principles. I thank them all for leading by example.”
Europa Nostra Medal of Honour to the A. G. Leventis Foundation
For the very first time in the history of Europa Nostra, the Board of the organisation decided to present a Medal of Honour to a private foundation – the A. G. Leventis Foundation based in Cyprus. “In this way, we express our deep gratitude for the unparalleled generosity and support which the A.G. Leventis Foundation has given to Europa Nostra for more than 40 years. This support was initiated when late Constantine Leventis acted as the Chairman of the Foundation, and who was also a much respected and devoted Treasurer of Europa Nostra. Together with his wife Edmée, they were the outstanding Ambassadors of Cyprus to Europa Nostra as well as Ambassadors of Europa Nostra to Cyprus,” affirmed Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger, Executive President of the organisation.
The support of the A.G. Leventis Foundation has allowed Europa Nostra to grow in impact and credibility. The decision of the Leventis Family and Foundation to continue supporting Europa Nostra for over four decades – as part of your Foundation’s commitment to supporting heritage projects in Cyprus, in Europe and the world – has been vital for the success of the organisation.
On behalf of the A. G. Leventis Foundation, Louisa Leventis, Executive Director received the Europa Nostra Medal of Honour. In her acceptance speech at the Ceremony, Louisa Leventis said: “We are deeply grateful to Europa Nostra for this recognition and humbled by this tribute to a partnership that has endured for more than four decades. Throughout these years, we have shared a conviction that cultural heritage is not only a legacy from the past, but also a powerful force for dialogue, understanding and cooperation across Europe and beyond. We look forward to continuing our shared mission of safeguarding and celebrating our common heritage.”
The European Heritage Awards Ceremony was a highlight of the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026, taking place in Nicosia from 26 to 30 May under the patronage of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. The Summit, under the motto “Heritage as the Soul of Mare Nostrum”, has underscored the (geo)political, societal and environmental relevance of heritage for Europe and the wider Mediterranean region. The Summit, organised by Europa Nostra with the Europa Nostra Heritage Hub in Nicosia, is co-funded by the European Union and made possible thanks to many partners and supporters, including The A.G. Leventis Foundation.
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Press release (English – Greek) | Photos | Video recording
