23 October 2026 09:39 UTC · European Commission · EU Commission Press Release · Read original source ↗ · Email X Link

European Commission proposes stronger recognition of European heritage sites

Key points

Glenn Micallef states the proposal will build on the action's original vision and establish a new trusted mark of high-quality and excellence.
The proposal will be negotiated at the European Parliament and at the Council.

TL;DR

The European Commission proposes to rename the European Heritage Label to the European Heritage List and reinforce its legal framework.

Original text

European Commission - Press release Commission proposes stronger recognition of European heritage sites Brussels, 23 October 2026 The European Commission has proposed to renew and reinforce the legal framework of the European Heritage Label . The scheme was adopted in 2011 aiming to offer a recognition awarded by the European Union to sites - buildings, monuments, documents - of exceptional symbolic value that have played a key role in shaping Europe's history, culture, and integration. The proposal aims to give the initiative new impetus and strengthen its European dimension, showcasing a living network of sites that together tell the story of Europe giving greater recognition to the cultural experiences that these sites offer. As part of this, the proposal includes the renewal of the action's name, from European Heritage Label to European Heritage List. Under the proposal, a prize would reward selected and monitored sites for their impact on the ground, alongside measures providing greater visibility, support and coordination. The new framework would make it easier for sites to take part and work together, give young people a stronger voice, and bring changes to the selection and monitoring process, with clearer criteria and procedures. Among the aims of the proposal is the increase of European citizens' understanding of the history of Europe and the building of the Union. It is also expected to contribute to the attractiveness, economic, and sustainable development of regions where the sites are located, in particular through cultural tourism. Furthermore, the European Heritage List will extend its recognition to sites in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, as well as to candidate countries or potential candidates for EU membership associated to the Creative Europe programme or its successors. Next steps The Commission proposal will now be negotiated at the European Parliament and at the Council. Background Today, the European Heritage Label connects 80 sites spread across 237 locations in 23 member states . Supported by the EU's Creative Europe programme , the European Heritage Label was established in 2011. For more information Proposal Application process for the European Heritage Label - Culture and Creativity IP/26/2250 Quote(s): "Present and future generations deserve to engage with Europe’s shared heritage, history, and values. These sites reflect our common long journey of European integration, as well as the challenges we overcame along the way. The European Heritage List will build on the action’s original vision, while strengthening its network and establishing a new trusted mark of high-quality and excellence. These changes will raise the action’s profile and create new cultural experiences for all generations." Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport <@rel_link@> Press contacts: Eva HRNCIROVA (+32 2 298 84 33) Eirini ZARKADOULA (+32 2 295 70 65) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email

Key tags

Topics

Keywords

Stats

Word count: 466

Summary words: 56

Compression: 12%

Boilerplate removed: Yes

Top phrases:

Entities

People

Organizations

Places

Brussels

Countries

Regions

Europe