On 9 May 2020, on the occasion of Europe Day marked the 70th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration and the launch of the process of European integration, members of the European Heritage Alliance launched the European Heritage Alliance Manifesto ‘Cultural Heritage: a powerful catalyst for the future of Europe’.
Culture and cultural heritage’s contribution to Europe’s social and economic recovery, as well as to the longer-term advancement of the European project, was clearly demonstrated in during the European Year of Cutlural Heritage in 2018.
The European Heritage Alliance Manifesto conveys a strong message of solidarity, hope and unity to Europe’s leaders and citizens at a time when Europe and the entire planet were struggling to overcome an unprecedented crisis caused by the COVID-19 virus. It also puts forward 7 of the most important ways in which cultural heritage can act as a catalyst for positive change.
First, cultural heritage plays a huge role in health and wellbeing. The power of cultural heritage to promote a sense of European identity is another a key area. The manifesto also highlights the important role heritage plays in promoting innovation, both by providing inspiration for innovation and by being an economic driver in its own right. Heritage is also a key component of sustainable development, with the reuse and repurposing of heritage sites part of the solution to climate and biodiversity challenges.
The manifesto argues in favour of policies that support heritage at the European level and stresses the need for better coordination. Addressing the current lack of consistency across Member States, the manifesto calls for unified policies that recognise the value of heritage.
Advocating for greater investment in heritage and for policies that recognise its value, the manifesto is vital reading for professionals and enthusiasts in the field of European Heritage.
