Full title
Open call for expressions of interest in joining an expert pool for the European Union action, European Heritage Label
Scope
Purpose of the call
This call aims to establish a high-quality pool of independent experts to support the European Commission in the implementation of the European Heritage Label (EHL) action. From this pool, four experts will be appointed as members of the European Heritage Label Panel for the 2027–2029 mandate.
Role of the experts
Experts appointed to the panel from the pool will contribute to the selection and monitoring of European Heritage Label sites at the European Union level. Their role is essential to ensuring that the Label continues to recognise sites of outstanding symbolic value that reflect Europe’s history, shared values, and democratic foundations.
Panel members will work collectively to:
- assess candidate sites proposed by participating Member States against the EHL objectives and criteria
- take part in selection and monitoring meetings organised by the European Commission
- contribute to public reports and formal recommendations on the award, follow-up, or possible withdrawal of the Label
Contribution to quality and consistency
Beyond individual assessments, panel members play a key role in ensuring the quality, coherence, and credibility of the European Heritage Label across Europe. Experts contribute to the refinement of selection and monitoring procedures, support the development of common indicators, and help ensure that processes remain transparent, fair, and consistently applied.
Policy and strategic context
The mandate covered by this call follows a revision phase of the EHL legal framework planned for 2026. Experts appointed for the 2027–2029 period will therefore support the renewed implementation of the European Heritage Label, contributing to its continued development and to the expansion of the network of labelled sites across the European Union.
Through their independence, expertise, and commitment, panel members help ensure that the European Heritage Label remains a strong, visible, and people-centred EU cultural heritage initiative, fostering education, intercultural dialogue, and citizens’ engagement with Europe’s shared heritage.
Who can apply?
- natural persons only
- independent experts
Required expertise
Applicants must demonstrate in their CV and motivation letter that they meet the following minimum requirements:
- a master’s degree in political science, history, social sciences, remembrance policy, cultural heritage, or a related field
- at least eight years of professional experience in academia, teaching, research, or a related area
- at least five years of substantial experience in drafting reports for international organisations, governments, European institutions, or similar bodies
- excellent command of English (both oral and written, level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). English is the working language of the panel. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to work in English through activities listed in their CV.
Additional assets (considered an advantage):
- knowledge of cultural heritage issues within Europe, or of European cultural policies
- relevant publications, research topics, or previous commitments in these areas
Application guidelines
What applicants should focus on
Applicants are invited to clearly demonstrate their
- motivation to contribute to the objectives and values of the European Heritage Label
- relevant professional experience and expertise related to cultural heritage, evaluation, or policy work
- ability to contribute constructively to collective expert work at European level
- availability and commitment to meet the workload requirements of the mandate
Applications must be submitted in English and must include all required documents.
Examples of eligible activities / experience
Relevant experience may include, for example:
- participation in expert panels, advisory boards, or peer-review processes
- evaluation or monitoring of cultural, educational, or heritage projects or programmes
- drafting analytical, technical, or policy reports for European institutions, governments, or international organisations
- academic, research, or professional activities related to European cultural heritage or cultural policy
Expected timeline after submission
- by 13 May 2026 – Deadline for submission of expressions of interest
- within 3 months after the deadline – Applicants informed of inclusion in the pool of experts
- by December 2026 – Appointment and contracting of selected panel members
- 2027–2029 – Mandate period for appointed experts
Apply
Apply for the call via EU Survey
The Commission will ensure complementarity of skills, balanced geography, and gender balance.