Europa Nostra

20/10/2026

🌍 Building bridges to protect cultural heritage amid conflict and climate challenges

At the ANSCH (The Arab Network of Civil Society Organizations to Safeguard Cultural Heritage) Building Resilience Conference, supported by the Cultural Protection Fund of the British Council: “Building Resilience: Empowering Civil Society to Protect Heritage Amid Conflict and Climate Challenges,” held online on 19 October 2026, Europa Nostra Secretary General Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović highlighted the vital role of civil society, local communities and international cooperation in safeguarding (endangered) cultural heritage.

During the panel “International Organisations and the Future of Heritage Protection,” she underscored four priorities: connecting organisations and networks, sharing knowledge and expertise, strengthening the voices of local civil society, and building lasting partnerships across the Mediterranean and beyond. She highlighted that Europa Nostra aspires to expand its work to benefit the entire area of “Mare Nostrum”.

After her remarks, she later joined Alfio Gullotta of the European External Action Service - EEAS and John Darlington, Director of Projects at World Monuments Fund Britain, for a discussion moderated by Xavier Casanovas of RehabiMed. Peter Stone, President of Blue Shield International, delivered a video message.

💬 “We need to build bridges with fantastic organisations, many times working in very difficult circumstances across the Middle East, North Africa, and Northeast Africa,” Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović said.

16/10/2026

We wish to pay tribute to our great friend, ally and advocate from the United Kingdom, Sir Donald Insall (1926-2026), who passed away last week at 100 years old.

Donald Insall was a pioneering conservationist, architect, planning consultant, author and teacher. He and his office, Donald Insall Associates, one of Britain’s leading conservation practices, received 17 Europa Nostra Awards from 1983 to 2026, having left an indelible mark in the storybook of our organisation.

Read our full In Memoriam: https://www.europanostra.org/in-memoriam-sir-donald-insall-cbe-1926-2026-united-kingdom/

16/10/2026

🔴 Last week to apply!

Time is running out to nominate heritage at risk for the 7 Most Endangered 2027 Programme.

The 7 Most Endangered Programme is a civil society initiative led by Europa Nostra that harnesses specialist expertise, helps prevent unsustainable development, facilitates dialogue among key stakeholders, and encourages essential public and private sector support for endangered heritage across Europe.

Do you know of heritage at risk and needing visibility, support and urgent action? Now is the time to make sure its story is heard.

📅 Deadline: 23 October 2026

Submit your nomination 👉https://7mostendangered.eu/call-for-nominations

14/10/2026

📣 Five new cities are joining Pioneering Places, the Davos Baukultur Alliance's global network for turning shared quality principles into action. Europa Nostra Board Member Graham Bell has been involved in this initiative.

Barcelona, Basel-Stadt, Bengaluru, Cape Town and Chernihiv form the second cohort, each asking: How can the way we plan, build and care for places improve quality of life?

Learn more 👉 davosalliance.org

13/10/2026

13/10/2026

13/10/2026

🔴 Less than two weeks left to apply!

Nominate European heritage at risk and in need of visibility, support and action for the 2027 Programme!

🎥 Missed our “How to Prepare Your Nomination” webinar on 30 September? Watch the recording for practical tips and guidance on preparing your nomination: https://vimeo.com/1233014377?fl=pl&fe=ti

📅 Deadline: 23 October 2026
👉 Find out more: https://7mostendangered.eu/call-for-nominations

12/10/2026

🇲🇹 What makes a community come together to protect a natural area?

Darren Saliba, CEO of Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park, and Antoine Spiteri, Lead Volunteer of the park, discuss how volunteer efforts and community involvement helped to establish Malta’s first national park in 2007.

During the Inclusive European Heritage Residency 2026 in Malta, hosted by Din l-Art Helwa – the National Trust for Malta – and co-organised by Europa Nostra and International National Trusts Organisation (INTO), participants visited Majjistral Park to meet the people and initiatives dedicated to conserving this unique natural landscape.

Darren and Antoine reflect on how volunteers and locals can make a difference in caring for the park, safeguarding its natural heritage and ensuring that future generations can enjoy it.

09/10/2026

🏆 On 3 October, a special ceremony honouring all five Italian winners of the 2026 European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards took place at the Polirone Monastic Complex in San Benedetto Po, a 2026 European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award winner. The Awards have the support of the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union 🇪🇺

🇮🇹 The Award-winning Polirone Monastic Complex of San Benedetto Po, Multifunctional Urban District of Bologna – DumBO, National Historical Archive of Italian Restorers – ASRI, International Summer School on Historic Masonry Structures – HIMASS, and the Intorno a Minerva Project reflect the diversity of outstanding heritage work taking place across Italy.

📍When an earthquake struck the Northern Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy in 2012, the Polirone Monastic Complex of San Benedetto Po suffered extensive damage. It was listed amongst the heritage sites in Europe for 2013, and since then has become an example of heritage restoration, community in action and resilience.

Read more about the inspiring story of the Polirone Monastic Complex 👉 https://www.europanostra.org/a-gradual-path-to-recovery-how-the-polirone-monastic-complex-of-san-benedetto-po-in-italy-became-a-model-for-community-led-conservation/

08/10/2026

🏛️ What happens after is selected for the Programme?

Our new Impact Stories series celebrates successful efforts to protect heritage across Europe. They also reflect the 2026 European Heritage Days theme, "Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine", showing how heritage can be brought back to life through the commitment of communities and institutions.

🇧🇪 Our latest Impact Story takes us to Kortrijk Railway Station, Belgium.

Rebuilt in 1951 to a design by architect Pierre Albert Pauwels, the station is a landmark of post-war architecture in the Expo 58 style, blending neoclassical and contemporary elements. Since 2015, plans for a new station have put it under threat of demolition, which would mean losing not only an architectural gem but also a well-serving transport hub for several thousands of people. To raise awareness and support for its preservation, the station was included in 2023 on the list of 7 Most Endangered heritage sites in Europe by Europa Nostra.

The recognition brought international attention and a stronger voice in the debate over the station's future. The Flemish Association for Industrial Archaeology (VVIA), which nominated the site with the endorsement of Europa Nostra Belgium, has campaigned against demolition and for the building's sustainable reuse as a public space.

💬 "What gives me hope is the pressure of the people, our organisation and the 7 Most Endangered Programme. Together, we have shown how important the Kortrijk Railway Station is," said Hendrik Nelde, President of VVIA.

Read the full story 👉 https://www.europanostra.org/a-post-war-gem-worth-fighting-for-kortrijk-railway-station-belgium/

Do you know a heritage site at risk that deserves visibility and support?

The 2027 Call for Nominations is open until 23 October 2026.

Nominate a site 👉 https://7mostendangered.eu/call-for-nominations/