Europa Nostra applauds the Joint Declaration “Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe” which has been signed today in Brussels, on the sidelines of the European Council, by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, and Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. As the largest organisation in Europe committed to cultural and natural heritage and leader of the European Heritage Hub, Europa Nostra enthusiastically commends this landmark political commitment by EU leaders to place culture and cultural heritage at the heart of EU policy and of the entire European project. This Joint Declaration is a decisive affirmation that culture and cultural heritage are core pillars of the European Union’s identity, values and future.
Signing ceremony of the Joint Declaration “Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe” © European Union
“Our culture is at the core of our identity. As well as being a source of Europe’s economic and geopolitical strength. Today, we commit to protecting artistic freedom and making art accessible to all citizens – especially our youth. Culture must remain a force for unity and learning”, stated Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
“Europe’s story is told through its art, culture and creativity. Today’s Joint Declaration sends a clear signal that we will continue to place culture at the heart of the European Project”, added Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.
“At a time of geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change, investing in artists, cultural heritage and creativity is also an investment in democracy, freedom and the values that bind Europe together. By signing this declaration, we are sending a clear message: culture must be fully integrated into European policymaking as a strategic priority for Europe’s future”, concluded Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus as the Rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Signing ceremony of the Joint Declaration “Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe” © European Union
In a letter addressed to the Presidents of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission this evening, Europa Nostra has expressed highest esteem and appreciation for their visionary leadership, stressing that:
“It is no coincidence that your Joint Declaration “Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe” is published at the very time when the European project is attacked like never before, both from the outside and the inside. We must therefore, more than ever, remain united and strong around our values and our guiding principles. This is precisely where culture and cultural heritage can play a leading role: by evidencing the strength and resilience of our model, and by linking Europeans together, helping them to understand the uniqueness of what they share. The mobilising power of culture and cultural heritage is immense, particularly among the younger generation, as you state correctly.”
The just published Joint Declaration endorses and reinforces 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. Europa Nostra has actively contributed to the shaping of the Culture Compass for Europe, has applauded its adoption, and has expressed strong commitment to contributing to its implementation.
At its core, the Joint Declaration recognises culture and cultural heritage as essential to Europe’s way of life; vital spaces for dialogue, belonging and cohesion, and a strategic force for resilience, democracy, peace and sustainable development. It confirms their value not only as a shared legacy, but as an indispensable resource for Europe’s present and future.
Taken together, the Joint Declaration “Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe” sets out a compelling and forward-looking vision articulated around twelve core principles: culture and cultural heritage are strategic assets for a stronger, more resilient and more united Europe.
Culture and cultural heritage are rightly recognised by the Joint Declaration as a connector between past, present and future and a foundation of identity, democracy and resilience particularly in rural, remote, underserved and outermost regions, as well as the promotion of sustainable cultural tourism and the integration of culture into crisis preparedness, recovery and peace-building.
Europa Nostra especially applauds and endorses EU’s highest political commitment to safeguard Europe’s tangible and intangible heritage, harness digital innovation, strengthen research and capacity-building, and intensify action against illicit trafficking of cultural goods, including enhanced cooperation across heritage, law enforcement and customs communities. The emphasis on intergenerational transmission is equally vital. Europa Nostra particularly welcomes the strong commitment to inclusive access, especially for younger generations, and the firm emphasis on gender equality and the rights and empowerment of artists and cultural professionals with disabilities, reinforcing culture as a truly inclusive public good.
We further welcome the recognition of culture and cultural heritage as drivers of territorial cohesion, economy, competitiveness, development and attractiveness, particularly in rural, remote, underserved and outermost regions, as well as the promotion of sustainable cultural tourism and the integration of culture into crisis preparedness, recovery and peace-building. Equally, the Joint Declaration rightly highlights culture’s role in shaping values that underpin the ecological transition, including through high-quality design, architecture and landscape stewardship.
To end, Europa Nostra wishes to pay tribute to all those at the three EU Institutions who have contributed to this milestone with such a far-reaching and visionary content of the Joint Declaration, with special mention of the key role played by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Political monitoring of the Joint Declaration on legislative priorities 2026 and the One Europe, One Market Roadmap © European Union
At the same time, in its letter to the three Presidents, Europa Nostra assured them that they can count on our “wide-spread pan-European network of members and partners, not only to convey your messages and your commitment, but to mobilise our actors on the ground, at all operational levels – citizens, municipalities, regions, associations and foundations of all kinds –, to make the pledges of their Joint Declaration’s motto “Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe” a reality.”
More information
Joint Declaration “Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe” (PDF)
