Europa Nostra contributes to stakeholder consultation on the Culture Compass at the European Committee of the Regions

On 23 April 2026, Europa Nostra took part in a stakeholder consultation organised by the European Committee of the Regions in the framework of its forthcoming opinion on the European Commission’s Culture Compass for Europe, which outlines key directions to guide EU policymaking in regards to the culture and creative sectors. The meeting, led by Rapporteur Tanya Hristova, Mayor of Gabrovo and Chair of the SEDEC Commission, brought together representatives of local and regional authorities, European networks, and cultural stakeholders to exchange views on the future of EU cultural policy.

 

A strategic moment for shaping the Culture Compass

In her opening remarks, Tanya Hristova highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Culture Compass becomes a practical and implementable framework, firmly anchored in local and regional realities. She stressed the key role of cities and regions in translating European cultural priorities into concrete actions that benefit citizens, while calling for strong stakeholder engagement throughout the drafting process of the Committee’s opinion.

A strong voice for cultural heritage in Europe’s future

Speaking on behalf of Europa Nostra, Manon Richard, Project Manager of the European Heritage Hub, emphasised the central and cross-cutting role of cultural heritage in delivering the ambitions of the Culture Compass.

Her intervention underlined that heritage is not only a sector, but a strategic resource for territorial development, social cohesion, and democratic participation. Building on the findings of the Europa Nostra stakeholder consultation and analysis of the Culture Compass, she highlighted four key messages:

• Cultural heritage as a driver of sustainable local and regional development, contributing to regeneration, quality jobs, sustainable tourism, and climate action through adaptive reuse and circular approaches;
• The need to strengthen participatory governance and cultural rights, ensuring that citizens and communities are actively involved in shaping, managing, and benefiting from heritage;
• The key role of local and regional authorities, working in close partnership with civil society organisations, to translate European priorities into meaningful on-the-ground action; and
• The transformative potential of Heritage City Hubs, developed by Europa Nostra within the European Heritage Hub, as innovative platforms connecting local action with European cooperation, capacity-building, and policy priorities.

Europa Nostra also stressed the importance of recognising heritage as a long-term investment, requiring adequate funding for conservation, skills, and community engagement, as well as stronger integration into broader EU policies, including cohesion, climate, and digital agendas.

Key themes: from cultural rights to innovation and international cooperation

The consultation addressed the four main pillars of the Culture Compass, with contributions from a wide range of stakeholders, including Eurocities, Culture Action Europe, the European Cultural Foundation, Pearle, and UNESCO, as well as representatives of cities, such as Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.

Discussions touched upon key issues including cultural rights, working conditions, digital transformation, sustainable cultural tourism, funding, and international partnerships — many of which are closely linked to the role of cultural heritage in society.

A strong convergence emerged on the need to better connect policy ambitions with operational tools, local implementation, and adequate resources, particularly in the heritage field.

 

Advocating for stronger investment: the Cultural Deal for Europe

A central point of discussion was the need for ambitious and sustained funding for culture and cultural heritage. Several stakeholders reiterated the importance of the Cultural Deal for Europe advocacy campaign, led by Culture Action Europe, the European Cultural Foundation and Europa Nostra.

The campaign calls for allocating at least 2% of the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to culture, strengthening philanthropic and private investment, alongside public funding, and promoting innovative public-private partnerships, including for heritage-led regeneration and conservation.

Participants stressed the need for visible, robust, and long-term financial commitments to achieve the ambitions of the Culture Compass.

Culture and heritage as pillars for cohesion, resilience and peace

The consultation concluded with a shared understanding that culture — and especially cultural heritage — is a cross-cutting pillar for democracy, social cohesion, and sustainable economic growth.

Local and regional authorities were recognised as key drivers of implementation, with a unique capacity to connect European strategies to citizens and communities on the ground.

Finally, one word resonated strongly throughout the discussion: peace. Participants underlined that effective delivery of the Culture Compass — grounded in shared heritage, cultural rights, and international cooperation — can contribute not only to a stronger and more cohesive Europe, but also to fostering dialogue and peace at global level.

Europa Nostra will continue to actively engage in this process, working with European institutions, cities, and civil society partners to ensure that cultural heritage remains at the heart of Europe’s future and that the Culture Compass delivers a truly transformative impact across all territories.