Europa Nostra and EIB Institute on Mission to Rosia Montana

Experts from the leading European heritage organisation Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute have arrived today in Romania for a four-day mission related to Roşia Montană, listed as one of ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ heritage sites in Europe in 2013, upon nomination made by Pro-Patrimonio Foundation. The European delegation of heritage and financial specialists will meet in Cluj-Napoca, Roşia Montană and Bucharest with local, regional and national stakeholders to discuss ways to ensure a sustainable future for Roşia Montană, based on the safeguard of its rich cultural and natural heritage and environment.

Europa Nostra’s Vice-presidents John Sell and Costa Carras will participate in this mission. The European Investment Bank Institute will be represented by its Acting Dean, Guy Clausse. On behalf of the Advisory Panel of ‘The 7 Most Endangered’ programme, Maria Berza. The Vice-president of the national heritage NGO Pro-Patrimonio, Şerban Sturdza, and the Vice-president of the Association ARA – Architecture, Restoration, Archaeology, Ştefan Bâlici, who is also a Council Member of Europa Nostra, will represent the Romanian NGO partners.

This mission was preceded by a visit to Bucharest by top-level representatives from Europa Nostra on 19-20 November 2013, upon invitation of the Romanian Academy of Sciences. On this occasion talks were held with the main scientific, civic and professional organisations involved in the rescue of the historic mining landscape of Roşia Montană.

Europa Nostra has campaigned for a long-term development plan for Roşia Montană for many years, both at national and European levels. The leading European heritage organisation has called for a culturally sensitive and environmentally friendly alternative to the large-scale open-cast gold mining project promoted by a Canadian-based company and encouraged the European Union to support a sustainable development plan for Roşia Montană.