Institutional Partners
Europa Nostra works closely with the institutions of the European Union and with European intergovernmental organisations to keep cultural heritage high on the political agenda. We also contribute actively to global efforts to safeguard and promote cultural heritage through our longstanding cooperation with UNESCO and the United Nations. Here you will find key policy documents, resolutions, conclusions, conventions and other reference materials, organised by institution.
European Commission
As the leading European civil society network for cultural heritage, Europa Nostra has been a longstanding partner of the European Commission in advancing cultural heritage across a wide range of policy areas. We work closely with the Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC), as well as with other Directorates-General whose work has an impact on cultural heritage, including Regional and Urban Policy, Research and Innovation, Environment, Climate Action and Enlargement.
Over the years, Europa Nostra has built strong and trusted relationships with successive European Commissioners and senior officials responsible for culture, heritage and related policy areas. We continue to work closely with the European Commission, including with Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport (2024–present), to ensure that cultural heritage remains high on the European agenda and contributes to the EU’s strategic priorities.
Europa Nostra is a member of the European Commission’s Expert Group on Cultural Heritage, a multi-stakeholder platform for consultation, policy dialogue and the exchange of expertise on cultural heritage. Through this forum, we contribute to the development and implementation of EU policies and initiatives for cultural heritage.
Europa Nostra also contributed to Voices of Culture, the European Commission’s structured dialogue with the cultural and creative sectors, helping to shape European cultural policy through stakeholder consultation and exchange.
As one of the European Networks supported under the Creative Europe Programme, Europa Nostra works alongside other European cultural and creative networks to strengthen the diversity, resilience and competitiveness of Europe’s cultural and creative sectors. The current generation of Creative Europe Networks brings together more than 5,000 artistic, cultural and creative organisations across Europe and beyond, fostering collaboration, policy dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Since 2002, Europa Nostra has been organising the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards in partnership with the European Commission. Europa Nostra has been a partner in various EU-funded cooperation projects, such as IMPACTOUR and ILUCIDARE, funded by the European Commission’s framework programme for research and innovation Horizon 2020, as well as MERITA, Food is Culture and Cultural Heritage in Action, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.
We also support the objectives of the New European Bauhaus, contributing our expertise on cultural heritage as a driver of a beautiful, sustainable and inclusive Europe.
Related documents
- Joint Declaration “Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe” (2026)
- Culture Compass for Europe (2025)
- Recommendation on a Common European data space for cultural heritage (2021)
- Communication: A European strategy for data (2020)
- Communication: New European Bauhaus Beautiful, Sustainable, Together (2021)
- European Framework for Action on Cultural Heritage (2019)
- Communication: The European Green Deal (2019)
- Communication: A New European Agenda for Culture (2018)
- Joint Communication: Towards an EU Strategy for International Cultural Relations (2016)
- Communication: Towards an Integrated Approach to Cultural Heritage for Europe (2014)
European Parliament
The European Parliament is an important forum for political debate and decision-making at EU level. Representing the interests of citizens, the European Parliament is thus the democratic arm of the European Union and a natural interlocutor for a structured dialogue with civil society.
Over the years, Europa Nostra has built a fruitful cooperation with top level representatives of the European Parliament as well as several bodies dealing with cultural and heritage policy. Our organisation also benefits from a privileged dialogue with the Chair and Members of the European Parliament’s Culture and Education Committee, and is increasingly cooperating with other Committees whose work is relevant to the enhancement of cultural heritage, such as the Committees on the Environment, Budget, Public Health and Food Safety, on Transport and Tourism, on Regional Development or on Industry, Research and Energy.
Europa Nostra also contributes to and supports initiatives of the European Parliament that promote culture, cultural heritage and the built environment. We work closely with Members of the European Parliament across political groups, in particular through the Intergroup on European Cultural Heritage, Ways of Saint James and other European Cultural Routes, and actively engage in parliamentary debates, hearings and policy initiatives related to culture, heritage, democracy, sustainability and Europe’s shared values.
Related documents
- European Cultural Heritage (Think Tank, 2026)
- A new Culture Compass for Europe (Think Tank, 2025)
- EU Culture and Creative Sectors Policy – Overview and Future Perspectives (Think Tank, 2024)
- Resolution: Implementation of the Creative Europe Programme 2021–2027 (2024)
- Artificial Intelligence in the Context of Cultural Heritage and Museums: Complex Challenges and New Opportunities (Think Tank, 2023)
- Resolution: EU Framework for the Social and Professional Situation of Artists and Workers in the Cultural and Creative Sectors (2023)
- Resolution: Implementation of the New European Agenda for Culture and the EU Strategy for International Cultural Relations (2022)
- Resolution: Achieving an effective policy legacy for the European Year of Cultural Heritage (2021)
- Resolution: Establishing an EU strategy for sustainable tourism (2021)
- Resolution: Cohesion policy and regional environment strategies in the fight against climate change (2021)
- Cultural Heritage in EU Policies (Think Tank, 2018)
Council of the EU and rotating Presidencies
Europa Nostra actively follows the work of the Council of the European Union – also known as the Council of Ministers – advocating for cultural heritage to remain high on the European policy agenda. As the institution representing the governments of the EU Member States, the Council plays a central role in adopting EU legislation, coordinating policies and setting strategic priorities, including in the fields of culture and cultural heritage.
Every six months, one of the 27 EU Member States holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, chairs meetings and helps ensure the continuity of the Council’s work. Presidencies cooperate in groups of three to establish a common 18-month programme. The past trio comprised Poland (January-June 2025), Denmark (July-December 2025) and Cyprus (January-June 2026).
Europa Nostra works closely with successive Council Presidencies to promote cultural heritage as a strategic asset for Europe and contributes to Presidency conferences, policy discussions and initiatives. The European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026 was held in May in Nicosia under the patronage of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, providing a timely opportunity to highlight the contribution of cultural heritage to Europe’s resilience, competitiveness and democratic future.
The next Presidency trio comprises Ireland (July-December 2026), Lithuania (January-June 2027) and Greece (July-December 2027), with whom Europa Nostra looks forward to continuing its dialogue and cooperation on shared European heritage priorities.
Related documents
- Joint Declaration “Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe” (2026)
- Council Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026 (2022)
- Strengthening cultural heritage resilience for climate change: Where the European Green Deal meets culture (2022)
- Council Conclusions on EU Approach to Cultural Heritage in conflicts and crises (2022)
- Council Conclusions on the recovery, resilience and sustainability of the cultural and creative sectors (2021)
- Council Conclusions on Risk Management in the Area of Cultural Heritage (2020)
- Council Conclusions on the Work Plan for Culture 2019-2022 (2018)
- Council Conclusions on participatory governance of cultural heritage (2014)
- Council Conclusions on cultural heritage as a strategic resource for a sustainable Europe (2014)
European Committee of the Regions
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is an advisory body representing Europe’s regional and local authorities, composed of 329 members – including regional presidents, mayors or elected representatives of regions and cities – from all 27 EU countries. It is entitled to express its views on all major issues of local and regional relevance, including culture and cultural heritage.
Europa Nostra works closely with the CoR on policy initiatives relating to culture and cultural heritage, particularly through the Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (SEDEC). We regularly contribute to consultations, hearings and policy discussions, providing the perspective of Europe’s cultural heritage civil society and promoting heritage as a strategic resource for regional development, social cohesion, sustainability and democratic participation.
Related documents
- Opinion: AgoraEU Programme (2026)
- Political Priorities 2025–2030 (2025)
- Opinion: Culture Compass for Europe (2025)
- Opinion: Promoting cultural policies in rural areas within the framework of development and territorial cohesion strategies and the 2030 Agenda (2023)
- European education and culture: a community of best practice (2022)
- Opinion: Culture in a Union that strives for more: the role of regions and cities (2020)
- Opinion: Towards more sustainable tourism for EU cities and regions (2020)
European Economic and Social Committee
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is the European Union’s advisory body representing organised civil society, bringing together employers, workers and organisations from across the economic, social, cultural and civic sectors. Through its opinions and policy recommendations, the EESC helps ensure that European legislation and initiatives reflect the experience and expertise of civil society. Composed of 329 members appointed for a five-year mandate, the EESC contributes to strengthening participatory democracy and promoting dialogue between the European institutions and organised civil society.
Europa Nostra works closely with the EESC on issues relating to culture, cultural heritage, education, citizenship and sustainable development. We regularly contribute to consultations, hearings and public debates, including the EESC’s Civil Society Days and other stakeholder engagement initiatives.
Within the EESC, Europa Nostra primarily engages with the Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC), while also contributing to the work of other sections where cultural heritage is relevant, including those dealing with education, sustainability, regional development and external relations.
Related documents
- Opinion: A Culture Compass for Europe (2025)
- Opinion: New European Bauhaus (2022)
- Opinion: A Renovation Wave for Europe (2021)
- Opinion: Contribution of Europe’s Rural Areas to the 2018 Year of Cultural Heritage (2018)
- Opinion: Economic, social and cultural rights in the Euro-Mediterranean region (2017)
Council of Europe
Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Strasbourg, France, the Council of Europe is Europe’s leading organisation for human rights, democracy and the rule of law, bringing together 46 Member States. Culture and cultural heritage are recognised as essential to democratic participation, social cohesion and sustainable development, making them integral to the Council of Europe’s work.
Since its own foundation in 1963, Europa Nostra has maintained a longstanding cooperation with the Council of Europe. We enjoy participatory status with the Conference of INGOs and work closely with the Council of Europe’s intergovernmental bodies, including the Steering Committee for Culture, Heritage and Landscape (CDCPP), as well as with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the Committee of Ministers. Through these collaborations, Europa Nostra contributes to the development and implementation of European policies, standards and initiatives relating to culture, cultural heritage and the landscape.
Europa Nostra actively supports key Council of Europe frameworks and programmes – including the European Cultural Convention (1954), the Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro Convention, 2005), the Convention on Offences relating to Cultural Property (Nicosia Convention, 2017), the European Heritage Strategy for the 21st Century (2017) – and contributes to key Council of Europe initiatives, namely the European Heritage Days, the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe programme and the European Cultural Heritage Information Network (HEREIN).
Together with the Council of Europe, Europa Nostra promotes cultural heritage as a cornerstone of democratic resilience, intercultural dialogue, human rights and peace, while encouraging citizens’ participation in the stewardship of Europe’s shared cultural heritage.
Related documents
- Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law (2024)
- Reykjavík Declaration – United around our values (2023)
- Recommendation on promoting the continuous prevention of risks in the day-to-day management of cultural heritage (2020)
- European Heritage Strategy for the 21st Century (2017)
- Convention on Offences relating to Cultural Property (Nicosia Convention) (2017)
- Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro Convention) (2005)
- European Landscape Convention (Florence Convention) (2000)
- Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage of Europe (Valletta Convention) (1992)
- Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe (Granada Convention) (1987)
- European Cultural Convention (1954)
European Political Community
The European Political Community (EPC) was launched in 2022 as a forum for political dialogue and cooperation among European countries. It brings together 47 European countries, alongside the Presidents of the European Council, the European Commission and the European Parliament, to address shared challenges affecting peace, security, prosperity and Europe’s future.
Since its inaugural summit in Prague in October 2022, the EPC has met regularly across Europe, with summits hosted in Chișinău (2023), Granada (2023), Woodstock, United Kingdom (2024), Budapest (2024), Tirana (2025) and Copenhagen (2026).
Europa Nostra follows the work of the European Political Community closely and advocates for culture and cultural heritage to be recognised as strategic assets for Europe’s resilience, democratic values, security and sustainable development. We continue to encourage the inclusion of culture and cultural heritage on the agenda of future EPC summits, recognising their essential contribution to peace, dialogue and European unity.
UNESCO
Europa Nostra is an officially recognised NGO partner of UNESCO and works closely with UNESCO Headquarters and the UNESCO Liaison Office in Brussels to promote culture and cultural heritage as drivers of sustainable development, peace, resilience and international cooperation.
Our collaboration spans a wide range of policy initiatives and advocacy efforts, including the protection of cultural heritage at risk, the implementation of UNESCO’s standard-setting instruments, and the promotion of culture within European and international policymaking. Europa Nostra has actively supported UNESCO’s efforts to safeguard Ukraine’s cultural heritage and has contributed to international dialogue on heritage protection, recovery and resilience.
Europa Nostra regularly participates in UNESCO meetings, conferences and expert consultations, including sessions of the World Heritage Committee, and works with UNESCO on initiatives that advance the protection, conservation and valorisation of cultural and natural heritage worldwide. We also maintain regular exchanges with the UNESCO Liaison Office in Brussels to strengthen cooperation between UNESCO and the European institutions on culture and cultural heritage.
Related documents
- MONDIACULT 2025 Outcomes (2025)
- Framework for Culture and Arts Education (2024)
- MONDIACULT 2022 Declaration (2022)
- Policy Document for the Integration of a Sustainable Development Perspective into the Processes of the World Heritage Convention (2015)
- Vancouver Declaration: The Memory of the World in the Digital Age (2013)
- The Hangzhou Declaration: Placing Culture at the Heart of Sustainable Development Policies (2013)
- Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape (2011)
- Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights (2005)
- Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005)
- Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003)
- Declaration concerning the Intentional Destruction of Cultural Heritage (2003)
- Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (2001)
- Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001)
- Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972)
- Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention (1999)
- Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (The Hague Convention) (1954)
United Nations
Europa Nostra cooperates with the United Nations, the world’s leading intergovernmental organisation, which brings together 193 Member States to promote international cooperation, peace, sustainable development and the protection of human rights.
Europa Nostra is committed to ensuring that cultural heritage is fully recognised as a driver for sustainable development and is integrated into the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through its advocacy and partnerships, Europa Nostra promotes the role of heritage in strengthening social cohesion, resilience, climate action, inclusive development and peacebuilding.
Europa Nostra also advocates for the stronger recognition of culture and cultural heritage within global climate and environmental agendas, including the work of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the implementation of the Paris Agreement. We engage with international partners to highlight the contribution of cultural heritage to climate adaptation, mitigation, disaster risk reduction and community resilience, including through participation in global climate and sustainability discussions, such as the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP).
Through its cooperation with UN agencies, international organisations and civil society partners, Europa Nostra contributes to the global mobilisation for heritage, advocating for cultural heritage as a shared responsibility and a key resource for a sustainable, peaceful and inclusive future.
Related documents
- Pact for the Future – Summit of the Future (2024)
- UN General Assembly Resolution: Culture and Sustainable Development (2023)
- UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) – Baku Climate Unity Pact (2024)
- UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) – UAE Consensus (2023)
- General Comment No. 26 on Land and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights – Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (2022)
- Resolution: Human rights and cultural diversity (2021)
- Resolution: Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace (2021)
- Resolution: Return or restitution of cultural property to the countries of origin (2021)
G20
The G20 is the premier forum for international economic cooperation, bringing together the world’s major economies to address global challenges. In 2021, under the Italian Presidency, culture was placed on the G20 agenda for the first time, with the inaugural G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting held in Rome under the theme “The rise of culture and its contribution to sustainable development”. This historic step recognised the growing role of culture and cultural heritage as drivers of sustainable development, social cohesion, innovation and economic growth.
Since then, culture has remained part of the G20 agenda, with Culture Ministers’ Meetings taking place under subsequent presidencies, including Indonesia (2022), India (2023), Brazil (2024) and South Africa (2025). Key themes have included the protection of cultural heritage, the role of culture in sustainable development, digital transformation, climate action and the contribution of the cultural and creative sectors to inclusive growth.
Europa Nostra has engaged with the G20 process, particularly by contributing its expertise on cultural heritage protection, heritage at risk and the links between cultural heritage and climate change. Through international partnerships and advocacy, Europa Nostra continues to support the recognition of cultural heritage as a global public good and as an essential component of sustainable development.
Related documents
- KwaDukuza Declaration – South Africa G20 Presidency (2025)
- Salvador da Bahia Declaration of the G20 Ministers of Culture – Brazil G20 Presidency (2024)
- Kashi Culture Pathway: Outcome Document and Chair’s Summary – India G20 Presidency (2023)
- Culture in the G20 under the Presidency of Indonesia (2022)
- Rome Declaration of the G20 Ministers of Culture – Italy G20 Presidency (2021)
