Deadline: 05-Oct-2026
This programme funds projects for the sustainable renewal and revitalisation of cultural monuments across participating European countries through adaptive reuse, participatory planning, and community-driven cultural development. It supports cultural heritage restoration, social inclusion, democracy, human rights, and green transformation while strengthening cooperation within the European Economic Area.
Total funding is €41.5 million, with grants ranging from €850,000 to €5 million depending on project type, including higher support for UNESCO World Heritage sites.
About the Programme
The programme supports the sustainable restoration and revitalisation of cultural heritage sites through adaptive reuse and participatory approaches that respond to local community needs.
It promotes:
- Cultural heritage conservation and restoration
- Adaptive reuse of monuments and historic buildings
- Participatory and community-led planning
- Creative placemaking and cultural innovation
- Social and cultural inclusion
- Democratic values and human rights
- Environmental sustainability and green transition
- International cultural cooperation
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Revitalise cultural monuments through sustainable approaches
- Strengthen local identity and cultural value
- Reduce social and economic disparities in the EEA
- Expand access to culture for all communities
- Promote inclusive participation in cultural life
- Support cultural mobility and artistic creation
- Strengthen cooperation between participating countries
Geographic and Strategic Focus
The programme strengthens cooperation between:
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Slovakia
It also supports broader cooperation across the European Economic Area, with emphasis on shared European values including:
- Human dignity and equality
- Democracy and rule of law
- Human rights and minority rights
- Equal access and inclusion
Funding Information
- Total programme budget: €41,508,236
- Grant range for most projects: €850,000 to €3,000,000
- UNESCO World Heritage projects: €1,000,000 to €5,000,000
- Higher funding applies to sites in cities such as:
- Banská Štiavnica
- Levoča
- Spišské Podhradie
- Bardejov
- Ružomberok
Eligible Activities
The programme supports projects involving:
- Restoration and adaptive reuse of cultural monuments
- Participatory heritage planning and management
- Creative and cultural regeneration of historic sites
- Community engagement in heritage protection
- Cultural infrastructure development
- Artistic and cultural programming
- Environmental sustainability in heritage sites
- Inclusive cultural access initiatives
Target Groups and Inclusion Focus
Special attention is given to:
- Women and girls
- Youth
- Older persons
- Marginalised and vulnerable communities
- Groups at risk of social exclusion
The programme aims to ensure equal access to cultural participation and heritage benefits.
Expected Outcomes
- Restored and sustainably managed cultural monuments
- Stronger local community participation in heritage governance
- Increased cultural access and inclusion
- Improved socio-economic development in heritage areas
- Enhanced cross-border cultural cooperation
- Contribution to Europe’s green and sustainable transition
Eligible Applicants
Eligible entities include:
- Public organisations
- Private organisations
- NGOs and non-profit entities
- Commercial and non-commercial legal entities
Applicants must be legally registered in participating countries.
Additional Partners
Projects may include partners from:
- Slovakia
- Donor countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway)
- Other eligible participating countries
- International organisations involved in implementation
Note: Individuals are not eligible to apply.
Key Principles
All projects must align with:
- Human rights and equality
- Democratic values and rule of law
- Cultural diversity and inclusion
- Environmental sustainability
- Non-discrimination and equal access
- Community participation and shared governance
Why This Programme Matters
The initiative helps to:
- Protect and revitalise Europe’s cultural heritage
- Strengthen community identity and cohesion
- Promote inclusive cultural participation
- Support sustainable urban and rural regeneration
- Link heritage conservation with economic development
- Advance Europe’s green and social transformation goals
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Projects without clear community participation
- Weak alignment with cultural heritage objectives
- Lack of sustainability or adaptive reuse strategy
- Missing inclusion or accessibility components
- Poor alignment with EU/EEA values and principles
- Insufficient cross-sector or cross-border cooperation
FAQ
What is this programme about?
It funds the restoration and adaptive reuse of cultural monuments through participatory and sustainable approaches.
How much funding is available?
Between €850,000 and €5 million depending on project type and heritage status.
Who can apply?
Public, private, and non-governmental organisations legally established in participating countries.
Are individuals eligible?
No, only legal entities can apply.
What types of projects are supported?
Cultural heritage restoration, adaptive reuse, community engagement, and inclusive cultural development projects.
What is the main goal?
To revitalise cultural heritage while promoting inclusion, sustainability, and European cooperation.
Conclusion
The Cultural Heritage Renewal and Adaptive Reuse Programme supports large-scale restoration and revitalisation of cultural monuments across Europe. By combining heritage conservation with social inclusion, sustainability, and participatory governance, the programme strengthens cultural identity, reduces inequalities, and promotes long-term community-driven cultural development within the European Economic Area.
For more information, visit EEA.