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This year’s European Heritage Awards, bestowed by Europa Nostra, have been won by 30 projects from 18 countries.
The projects were competing in five categories, ranging from conservation and adaptive reuse to research, education and awareness-raising.
“From pioneering AI-based risk prevention to hands-on training in traditional building techniques, these projects show that heritage is not just about the past, it is a living force for progress,” said Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport.
President of Europa Nostra Cecilia Bartoli stated that in a world marked by conflicts, geopolitical tensions and technological change, “the need to champion what unites us has become more urgent and important than ever.”
Heritage and history celebrated
Among the notable winners included Italy’s DumBO project which turned a former railway yard in Bologna into a cultural hub.
Elsewhere, the Cypriot Fiddler research project documented the life stories of some of the last surviving traditional Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot musicians.
In Montenegro, the “Pacijenca” project revived the nearly extinct Dobrota lace tradition.
In France and Belgium, the Gardens of Peace scheme created contemporary public gardens along the First World War front line to rethink how Europeans remember conflict.
The National Trust for Malta has been protecting the island’s heritage since 1965, shortly after the country gained independence.
Heritage supporters can vote online for the Public Choice Award 2026 until 12 May.
The awards ceremony will take place on 28 May in Nicosia, Cyprus.