European and national leaders reaffirm the key role of culture and heritage in strengthening Europe’s unity in diversity at high-level Ceremony in Nicosia
During the European Heritage Awards Ceremony 2026 held on 28 May 2026 at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre in the capital of Cyprus, European and national leaders took the stage to congratulate the winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2026 and to reaffirm the key role of culture and heritage in Europe’s unity in diversity and in fostering trust and dialogue across borders.
Bringing together some 500 heritage professionals, volunteers, enthusiasts and supporters from across Europe and beyond, the Awards Ceremony was the largest event of the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026, held from 26 to 30 May in Nicosia under the patronage of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU and with the support of the European Union.
In his address, H.E. the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, stated: “‘If I had to do it all over again, I would begin with culture,’ Jean Monnet is often quoted as saying. Because culture is our common language. It has the power to bring people together. It transcends borders, and strengthens the unity of our common European home. This reflection resonates deeply with Cyprus: a timeless crossroads of civilizations, and a bridge between the European Union and our region.”
In his speech, Charalambos Prountzos, Mayor of Nicosia, underlined: “Nicosia, the last divided capital of Europe, carries within its streets the complex history of our continent – moments of creativity and coexistence, but also moments of conflict and division. Yet our city also demonstrates the transformative power of heritage as a force of reconciliation, dialogue and hope. (…) In recent years, Nicosia has consistently pursued a vision that connects heritage with innovation, sustainability and urban regeneration. Important historic sites in our city have been transformed into centres of education, research, creativity and social interaction.”
In his address, Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger, Executive President of Europa Nostra, emphasised: “The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards prove that culture and heritage stand firmly at the centre of Europe’s future, and also of our shared future around the Mediterranean. The Culture Compass for Europe confirms this direction very clearly. Europa Nostra wishes to praise the leadership of European Commissioner Glenn Micallef for producing such an ambitious strategic document to which we have gladly contributed.”
The Executive President of Europa Nostra added: “We applaud the immense effort of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and especially of Madam Deputy Minister of Culture of Cyprus, for having reached the agreement on the Joint Political Declaration on the Culture Compass, which is expected to be signed, at the highest level, by three key EU Institutions – the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission.”
In her speech, HRH Princess Dana Firas of Jordan, President of the Petra National Trust, Chair of INTO and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage, highlighted: “Europa Nostra and the Petra National Trust are building together – in true partnership – Mare Nostrum, born of our belief that the Mediterranean region has never simply been a geographic space. For millennia, it has been a shared cultural landscape, shaped by movement, exchange, memory and coexistence. Across its shores, heritage and nature have evolved together, forming interconnected systems of knowledge, identity and stewardship. (…) Our work together is not only about preserving the past; it is about shaping a more human and sustainable future together.”
Congratulatory messages
Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, conveyed a congratulatory video message to all the winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2026, which was broadcast at the beginning of the Awards Ceremony (watch the video recording from 23:48 to 25:45).
In an audio message played during the Ceremony, Cecilia Bartoli, President of Europa Nostra, paid tribute to all the laureates: “Tonight, we celebrate cultural heritage projects of impressive diversity, ranging from Iceland to Cyprus, and from Lithuania to Spain. I would like to thank all those who contribute to the preservation of Europe’s cultural heritage, and to extend my congratulations to the winners of the Awards”.
More information
Ceremony: programme booklet | video recording | photos
Grand Prix and Public Choice Award: social media visuals | videos
