18/06/2026
Today marks a historical moment for culture and cultural heritage in Europe! 🇪🇺
EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen, Roberta Metsola, and Nikos Christodoulides signed on 18 June the Joint Declaration "Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe", reaffirming culture and cultural heritage as central pillars of the European Union.
Europa Nostra, also in its capacity as Project Leader of the European Heritage Hub, has warmly welcomed this landmark commitment, recognising it as a strong political statement that culture is not only part of Europe’s identity and shared values, but also a strategic asset for its future resilience, democracy, competitiveness, sustainability, and social cohesion.
At a time of geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change, the Declaration highlights the vital role of culture in:
🔸 Strengthening European unity and democratic values
🔸 Protecting and promoting cultural heritage
🔸 Supporting artists and cultural professionals
🔸 Ensuring inclusive access to culture, especially for younger generations
🔸 Harnessing digital innovation and research
🔸 Advancing sustainable development, tourism, and territorial cohesion
🔸 Integrating culture into crisis preparedness, recovery, and peace-building
The document builds on the Culture Compass for Europe, a strategic policy framework released in November 2025 under the leadership of Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Culture, Youth and Sport — a document Europa Nostra has actively contributed to the shaping — and sets out a forward-looking vision positioning culture and cultural heritage as strategic drivers of a stronger, more resilient, and more united Europe.
For over 60 years, Europa Nostra has championed the belief that culture and cultural heritage belong at the heart of Europe. We fully support the vision laid out in the Joint Declaration and uphold our commitment to mobilise citizens, communities, municipalities, regions and civil society organisations across Europe to help make its ambitions a reality.
🔗 Read our full statement: https://www.europanostra.org/europa-nostra-applauds-the-signature-of-the-historic-joint-declaration-europe-for-culture-culture-for-europe-by-the-presidents-of-three-key-eu-institutions/
In a letter addressed to the President of the European Commission, President of the European Parliament and President of the Republic of Cyprus this evening, Europa Nostra has also expressed the highest esteem and appreciation for their visionary leadership.
📩 Read it here:https://www.europanostra.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Europa-Nostra-Letter-to-Presidents-of-European-Parliament-Council-of-EU-and-European-Commission-20260618.pdf
