Europa Nostra Council calls for cultural heritage to be recognised as a cornerstone of a renewed vision for EU’s future

The 2026 State of the European Union address (SOTEU) and preparations for the 70th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome in March 2027 were high on the agenda of Europa Nostra’s Council Meetings held on 8-10 October 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. Discussions highlighted the need to place cultural heritage at the heart of a renewed European vision, strengthening democratic resilience and reconnecting citizens with the European project.

 

In the SOTEU delivered on 16 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a new vision for Europe: “The state of our Union is the strongest it has ever been. The state of our Union can also feel as precarious as it has ever been. These two statements may seem incompatible. But they are both true. And they reflect these exceptional times. This complex age of great possibilities and great perils which all countries are seeking to navigate. In this world, Europe has chosen to forge its own path. And a stronger, independent Europe is now emerging”. She also highlighted Europe’s core values, new partnerships and role in the world, looking ahead to the 2027 anniversary.

Cultural heritage: connecting citizens with Europe

Reflecting on the SOTEU, Europa Nostra raised a fundamental question: How can we strengthen the connection between European citizens and the common European endeavour?

Peace, democracy, solidarity, human rights and the rule of law are  the foundations of the entire European project; they are essential to stronger societies and renewed public confidence. Cultural heritage has a vital role to play in this context.

In a letter to President von der Leyen ahead of the SOTEU, Europa Nostra stressed that Europe’s competitiveness and democratic resilience require more than economic and security capacities. They also depend on citizens’ connection with Europe, a shared sense of belonging and a stronger commitment to our common future.

Our tangible and intangible cultural heritage connects people across borders and generations. It embodies the values, creativity and intercultural exchanges that have shaped Europe, offering a shared resource on which to build.

As Europa Nostra stated in its letter: “Cultural Heritage is not something Europe needs to create. It is something we need to build on.”

Turning vision into action

The 70th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome in March 2027 offers an opportunity to reaffirm Europe’s common foundations and shape its future. Europa Nostra intends to contribute actively to these preparations, bringing the voice of heritage civil society and its longstanding experience in EU cultural heritage policy, advocacy and cooperation to highlight the vital cultural and cultural heritage dimension of the European integration process.

This advocacy also extends to EU budget priorities which must invest in Europe’s human capital. The Europa Nostra Council discussed joint efforts with the European Heritage Alliance and the European Heritage Hub to secure a dedicated place and funding for culture and cultural heritage within the next Multiannual Financial Framework and future EU programmes, including Horizon Europe and the European Competitiveness Fund.

The Council also exchanged views with Valéry Freland, Executive Director of ALIPH – the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage, on international cooperation to safeguard heritage threatened by conflict and climate change. Their discussion underlined the importance of partnerships that mobilise expertise, resources and civil society, including through the European Heritage Hub Small Grants Scheme which is supported by ALIPH.

As we approach 2027, Europa Nostra calls for cultural heritage to be recognised as a cornerstone of Europe’s renewed vision: a shared resource for strengthening democracy, solidarity and a sense of belonging across generations and borders. Europe’s future must be built on respect of the core values, historic memories and cultural heritage that connect its citizens.

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