2027 European Heritage and Europa Nostra Awards

The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2027 recognize outstanding achievements in cultural heritage across Europe, including conservation, education, research, and citizen engagement. Open to Creative Europe participating countries, the awards offer major visibility, networking opportunities, and prizes of €10,000 for Grand Prix and Public Choice winners.

Overview

The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2027 are Europe’s most prestigious recognition for achievements in cultural heritage protection, conservation, education, and promotion.

They highlight individuals and organisations contributing to the preservation and innovation of Europe’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Purpose of the Awards

The awards aim to:

• Recognise excellence in cultural heritage work
• Promote innovation in heritage conservation and reuse
• Encourage education and skills development in heritage sectors
• Strengthen citizen engagement and public awareness
• Highlight heritage champions across Europe
• Foster cross-border collaboration in heritage preservation

Key Award Categories

Applicants can submit entries across five main categories:

1. Conservation & Adaptive Reuse

• Restoration and preservation of heritage sites
• Sustainable reuse of historic buildings

2. Research

• Academic or applied heritage research
• Documentation and innovation in heritage studies

3. Education, Training & Skills

• Heritage education programmes
• Skills development in conservation and restoration

4. Citizens’ Engagement & Awareness Raising

• Community participation in heritage projects
• Public heritage campaigns and outreach

5. Heritage Champions

• Individuals or organisations with outstanding contributions to heritage protection

Types of Heritage Recognised

The awards cover:

• Tangible heritage (buildings, monuments, landscapes)
• Intangible heritage (traditions, practices, knowledge)
• Cultural heritage innovation and interpretation
• Community-led heritage initiatives

Benefits of Winning

Winning or being recognised provides:

Visibility and Recognition

• Europe-wide and international exposure
• Media coverage and publicity opportunities
• Increased visibility for projects and organisations

Financial Awards

• Grand Prix: €10,000
• Public Choice Award: €10,000

Networking Opportunities

• Access to a European heritage network
• Collaboration with experts, professionals, and institutions
• Opportunities for cross-border knowledge exchange

Strategic Value

The awards help winners:

• Build international reputation in heritage conservation
• Attract partnerships and funding opportunities
• Expand outreach and audience engagement
• Strengthen long-term project impact

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Countries

Applications are open to countries participating in the Creative Europe Programme (Culture strand).

Eligible Regions Include:

EU Member States

• All European Union countries

EFTA Countries

• Liechtenstein
• Norway
• Iceland

Candidate and Accession Countries

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Montenegro
• Serbia
• Ukraine
• Turkey
• Kosovo (subject to programme participation)

Other Eligible Countries

• Armenia
• Georgia
• Republic of Moldova
• Azerbaijan
• Andorra
• Monaco
• San Marino
• Holy See (Vatican City)
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Heritage organisations
• Cultural institutions
• NGOs and foundations
• Public bodies
• Research and academic institutions
• Individual heritage practitioners (depending on category)
• Community-based heritage initiatives

Key Selection Criteria

Entries are evaluated based on:

1. Excellence

• Quality of heritage conservation or contribution
• Innovation and originality

2. Impact

• Cultural, social, and educational significance
• Contribution to heritage preservation or awareness

3. Sustainability

• Long-term preservation value
• Environmental and cultural sustainability

4. Engagement

• Community involvement
• Public outreach and participation

5. Knowledge Contribution

• Research or skills development impact
• Advancement of heritage practices

Why the Awards Matter

The European Heritage Awards play a key role in:

• Preserving Europe’s cultural identity
• Encouraging innovation in heritage conservation
• Strengthening cross-border cultural cooperation
• Supporting community engagement in heritage
• Promoting education and awareness about heritage value

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects outside eligible countries
• Choosing the wrong award category
• Weak demonstration of heritage impact
• Lack of community engagement evidence
• Ignoring sustainability aspects
• Submitting incomplete documentation

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the heritage value of your project
• Highlight innovation in conservation or engagement
• Show measurable cultural or social impact
• Include strong visual and documentary evidence
• Emphasize community involvement
• Align your project with European heritage priorities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards?

They are Europe’s top awards recognising excellence in cultural heritage conservation, research, education, and engagement.

2. What is the prize money?

Winners may receive €10,000 Grand Prix or Public Choice Awards, along with recognition and visibility.

3. Who can apply?

Heritage organisations, NGOs, public institutions, researchers, and individuals from eligible Creative Europe countries.

4. What categories are available?

Conservation, Research, Education & Training, Citizens’ Engagement, and Heritage Champions.

5. What types of heritage are included?

Both tangible (buildings, monuments) and intangible (traditions, practices) heritage.

6. What are the main benefits?

International recognition, networking opportunities, media exposure, and financial awards.

7. Which countries are eligible?

EU Member States, EFTA countries, and several candidate and neighbouring countries participating in Creative Europe.

Conclusion

The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2027 are a leading platform celebrating excellence in cultural heritage across Europe. By recognising innovative conservation, research, education, and community engagement, the awards strengthen Europe’s shared cultural identity while promoting international collaboration and long-term heritage preservation.