Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger from Germany appointed as new Executive President of Europa Nostra

The Hague, 8 May 2018 – Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger, the renowned German archaeologist, prehistorian and cultural heritage expert who is the President of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, has been appointed as the new Executive President of Europa Nostra, acting on a voluntary basis. Founded in 1963, Europa Nostra is the leading European network of civil society organisations dedicated to cultural heritage which today federates 370 member and associate organisations from over 40 countries in Europe.

Hermann Parzinger was unanimously appointed by the Council of Europa Nostra at the meeting held yesterday at Cercle de l’Union Interalliée in Paris. On this occasion, the outgoing Executive President Denis de Kergorlay from France, who led the organisation for the last nine years, stated: “Given the outstanding knowledge, experience and qualities of Hermann Parzinger, I am fully confident that he is the ideal person to take over the steering wheel of Europa Nostra.”

“Europa Nostra has become an influential European network and voice of civil society for the cause of Europe’s shared cultural heritage. I am therefore delighted and honoured to have been entrusted the voluntary task of Europa Nostra’s new Executive President in this challenging time when we celebrate the European Year of Cultural Heritage.” Stated Hermann Parzinger upon his appointment. “Following a decade of Europe’s deep economic and political crisis which has led to a dangerous rise of populism and nationalism, as a citizen I feel deeply concerned about the future of Europe. The European project can only survive and further advance if we develop a real sense of European identity which can only be built on Europe’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. The mission and the work of Europa Nostra are therefore today more vital than ever and I am happy to contribute to it as an engaged European citizen.”

In Paris, Hermann Parzinger paid tribute to his predecessor, Denis de Kergorlay: “Denis de Kergorlay has been a most inspiring and most effective Executive President of Europa Nostra. I feel highly motivated to build upon his legacy and to bring Europa Nostra to new heights together with our renewed Board and Council composed of dedicated members all acting on a voluntary basis, with the support of our small but highly professional Staff and, of course, with our President, Maestro Domingo whose voluntary commitment is so vital for our organisation.”

Maestro Plácido Domingo, who has been the President of Europa Nostra since 2010, welcomes this important appointment: “Apart from being an eminent heritage scholar and manager, Hermann Parzinger is a convinced European. He strongly believes in Europe as a cultural project and truly embodies the cause of Europa Nostra. I am convinced that under his leadership Europa Nostra will continue to go from strength to strength. I also wish to praise the unique contribution of Denis de Kergorlay. It is thanks to his passion for cultural heritage and his wise and generous stewardship, that Europa Nostra has become a leader of a true European heritage movement. ”.

Prof. Dr. Parzinger, in his capacity as President of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation and Board member of Europa Nostra, has been closely involved in the preparation of the programme of the first ever European Cultural Heritage Summit ‘Sharing Heritage – Sharing Values’ which takes place from 18-24 June in Berlin. The main aim of this Summit, which is co-hosted by Europa Nostra, the German Cultural Heritage Commission and the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, is to promote an ambitious European Agenda and Action Plan for Cultural Heritage as a lasting legacy of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018.