The Europa Nostra Brussels Manifesto, titled 'Heritage Matters for Europe – Europe Matters for Heritage', was published in November 2025. It is the key outcome of the 2025 European Cultural Heritage Summit, which took place from 12 to 15 October in the EU's capital of decision-making. The manifesto calls for Europe's cultural and natural heritage to be placed at the heart of European strategies, budgets, and policies.
“For twenty years, the Faro Convention has shown that heritage is a living light — connecting communities, empowering citizens, and guiding Europe. The Culture Compass for Europe charts our direction, but it is heritage—through our passion, expertise, and engagement—that illuminates the path toward peace, democracy, and shared values,” states the Brussels Manifesto.
The Manifesto also emphasises the vital role of cultural heritage in the economy, society, culture, environment, and well-being of Europe, and highlights the responsibility of Europeans to pass this heritage on to future generations.
‘At a decisive moment for Europe, as the European Commission is about to publish the Culture Compass for Europe and prepare the next EU long-term budget (2028–2034), known as the Multiannual Financial Framework, the Brussels Manifesto highlights the guiding role of heritage,’ notes the press release accompanying the manifesto, which articulates four demands:
1) Strategic investment in culture and heritage
2) Empowering people through skills and innovation
3) Safeguarding monuments, historic sites, and museums; and
4) Celebrating intangible heritage
The Manifesto aligns cultural heritage with key European policy priorities and advocates for its central role in shaping Europe's future. It emerges in the context of ongoing efforts to reinforce the significance of cultural heritage in Europe's development, sustainability, and social cohesion.
“Europe must champion heritage as a driver of sustainability, international cultural relations, and global partnerships,” reads the announcement, and another point calls on Europe to “protect heritage in conflict and crisis zones, which is both an ethical duty and a strategic priority.”
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Download the manifesto here
