The report provides an overview of the implementation and results of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 focusing on its four main pillars:

• engagement for heritage,
• sustainability of heritage,
• protection, and
• innovation.

It highlights its positive impact on the perception of Europe’s cultural heritage as a powerful resource for Europe. During the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage, over 12.8 million people took part in more than 23 000 events organised across 37 countries, and #EuropeForCulture was mentioned 146 000 times on social media.

Additionally, the Commission funded numerous projects dedicated to Europe’s heritage, through several EU programmes (such as Creative Europe, Horizon 2020, Europe for Citizens and Structural Funds,). These efforts were accompanied by the production of a many policy documents, from recommendations on sustainable cultural tourism and cultural heritage professions to European quality principles on intervention in cultural heritage.

Legacy of the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018

To ensure that the European Year has a lasting impact, in December 2018, the Commission presented a European Framework for Action on Cultural Heritage, including more than 60 actions, implemented by 15 Commission departments. It outlines a long-term vision for the management, safeguarding and enhancement of Europe’s cultural heritage.

The Framework also established a new expert group on Cultural Heritage, whose first meeting took place on 15-16 October 2019 in Brussels. The expert group advises the Commission on matters related to heritage, and acts as a platform for consultation and exchange of best practices for sustainable and participatory cultural heritage policies in Europe.

Find out more

• Read the report (available in 24 languages);
• Read the European Framework for Action on Cultural Heritage, available in 24 languages;
• Read and download the Factsheet about the European Year of Cultural Heritage.