European Heritage Policy Agora 2025 focuses on (re)discovering and celebrating Europe’s shared cultural roots and values

The European Heritage Policy Agora “The Europeans: Shared Cultural Roots and Values”, organised by Europa Nostra in the frame of the EU-funded Agora project and co-hosted by the European Parliament, took place on 15 October at the Zweig Visitor Centre. This insightful event brought over 100 participants, including members of the European Parliament, historians, policymakers, civil society and cultural leaders.

Featuring an expert panel discussion with Members of the European Parliament Hannes Heide, Marcos Ros Sempere and Hélder Sousa Silva, a Europa Nostra Annual Lecture by the renowned historian Orlando Figes, and a screening of the documentary “Une saga de l’Europe culturelle, au cœur du XIXe siècle”, the Policy Agora highlighted the vital role of culture and history in shaping European identity and strengthening the European project.
 

Opening remarks

 

Philipp Schulmeister, Director of Campaigns for DG COMM at the European Parliament, Nela Riehl, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT), and Paul Dujardin, President of Europa Nostra Belgium and Council Member of Europa Nostra, kicked off the event with inspirational opening remarks underlining the importance of fighting for the broad inclusion of culture within EU policy.

“Europe needs a bold Culture Compass, with culture at the heart of policymaking and to strengthen its international cultural relations. The EU must remain a champion of intercultural dialogue and crucially this vision must be matched with sustainable funding,” stated Nela Riehl, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education.

Europa Nostra Lecture

During the Policy Agora, the renowned historian Orlando Figes delivered this year’s Europa Nostra Lecture based on his acclaimed book “The Europeans: Three Lives and the Making of a Cosmopolitan Culture”, which explores the genesis of European culture in the 19th century.

Orlando Figes’ fascinating lecture touched on the development of a transnational European cultural market in the 19th century; the role of arts in shaping European identity and unity; and the lessons from history for fostering a shared European cultural identity. Read news item about the Lecture

Panel Discussion

The European Heritage Policy Agora featured a compelling panel discussion, moderated by Europa Nostra Secretary General Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, where panelists reflected on their personal and professional experiences and their connections to shared European cultural heritage, a timely discussion as the EU’s long-term budget is debated.

Panelists included the historian Orlando Figes, MEPs Hannes Heide, Marcos Ros Sempere, and Hélder Sousa Silva, Jorge Chaminé, President of the European Music Centre, and Constanze Itzel, Director of the House of European History.

The discussion highlighted the essential role of culture in European identity, democracy and cohesion, covering:

• Culture and democracy: Hannes Heide stressed that investing in the arts sustains society and democracy, with copyright protections crucial for creators.
• Defending European identity: Marcos Ros Sempere emphasised that Europe is more than a single market; shared cultural heritage underpins its identity, and live cultural engagement cannot be replaced.
• Strategic support for culture: Hélder Sousa Silva highlighted the “triangle” of culture, security and funding, noting initiatives like the Portuguese National Museum of Music in Mafra and the upcoming CultureAgoraEU programme, which aims to allocate €9 billion to culture.
• Music and listening: Jorge Chaminé described music as the “DNA of Europe” and stressed that attentive listening is a democratic act.
• Lessons from history: Orlando Figes and Constanze Itzel called for proactive engagement in culture and education and urged recognition of Europe-wide influences beyond national frameworks.

The panel underscored that culture remains central to Europe’s identity, democracy, and future.

The panel discussion was introduced with music composed by Pauline Viardot-Garcia, in a recorded performance by Cecilia Bartoli, the world-renowned mezzo-soprano who is the President of Europa Nostra (with the kind permission of Decca Classics).

Film viewing

Finally, Policy Agora concluded with a film screening of “Une saga de l’Europe culturelle, au cœur du XIXe siècle” (ARTE TV, Bel Air Média, Centre Européen de Musique, and Centre d’Études d’Europe Hispanique), which touches on Europe’s 19th-century artistic and intellectual networks, and it is connected to Orlando Figes’ book.

Overall, the Policy Agora provided a thought-provoking platform that enabled us to (re)discover and celebrate Europe’s shared cultural roots and values — through history, through music, and through many dynamic and inspiring discussions.