Europa Nostra participates in debate on the vital role of culture in addressing Europe’s societal challenges at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

On 12 March 2025, Europa Nostra, and other prominent Pan-European cultural organisations and artists, participated in a key event hosted by the European Parliament’s Cultural Outreach Unit (DGCOMM) in Strasbourg. The event consisted of two panels, which sparked a profound debate on the vital role of culture in addressing some of Europe’s most pressing societal challenges. The first panel was chaired by Lina Gálvez, Chair of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM), and the second one by Nela Riehl, Chair of the CULT Committee on Culture and Education (CULT).

 

On behalf of Europa Nostra, Vanessa Fraga Prol, Advocacy and Partnerships Manager, took the opportunity to bring forward powerful testimonies from women safeguarding heritage across the continent. These testimonies, which were initially showcased at the #Women4Heritage 2025 online event, emphasised the importance of collaboration and solidarity in strengthening the protection of Europe’s heritage. The event highlighted the crucial role that women play in preserving cultural sites, many of which are vulnerable to conflict, disasters, and neglect.

 

Heritage, in times of conflict, is often deliberately targeted. Yet, women such as Amra Hadžimuhamedović, Director of the Centre for Cultural Heritage at the International Forum Bosnia (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Lesia Voroniuk, Ukrainian Cultural Curator and Head of World Vyshyvanka Day NGO (Ukraine), and Androula Vassiliou, Chair of the Europa Nostra Heritage Hub in Nicosia (Cyprus), are leading the charge in protecting these invaluable assets. Their efforts go beyond mere preservation of historical sites – they contribute to peacebuilding, resilience, and social cohesion in divided societies and post-conflict zones. These women embody the unyielding connection between cultural preservation and the fostering of peace, demonstrating how heritage can act as a powerful tool in rebuilding fractured communities and promoting reconciliation.

The significance of women’s leadership in heritage protection extends beyond the realm of history and memory. It is integral to the process of healing and rebuilding societies after conflict. In this context, Europa Nostra underscores the urgent need for heritage to be recognised as a fundamental component of peacebuilding efforts. In light of Europe’s growing focus on defence and security, it is crucial not to neglect the immense potential of culture and heritage as powerful forces for fostering stability, mutual understanding, and sustainable peace. To this end, Europa Nostra – together with Culture Action Europe and the European Cultural Foundation – calls for at least 2% of the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework to be allocated to culture and heritage, ensuring that the protection of Europe’s shared legacy is secured for future generations.

 

The event culminated with the opening of the ‘Changemakers’ exhibition at the European Parliament, a collaboration between the European Parliament, Culture Action Europe, and the Commune d’Ixelles. The exhibition provides a powerful reflection on how art can act as a catalyst for societal change. It features the work of several generations of visual artists, highlighting the transformative power of art to challenge, inspire, and effect positive change in society. Through the juxtaposition of different artistic styles and periods, the exhibition serves as a testament to the enduring impact of creativity and cultural expression on shaping the future.

 

As Europe faces numerous challenges, from political instability to environmental crises, the protection of cultural heritage must remain at the forefront of the conversation. Heritage is not merely a by-product of societal development – it is its foundation. Cultural heritage embodies the stories, traditions, and values that shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Through initiatives like these, Europa Nostra and its partners continue to champion the irreplaceable value of both culture and heritage, ensuring they remain central to the vision of a peaceful, resilient, and united Europe.