Strategic Policy meeting on Advancing Sustainability in Cultural Heritage

How does green conservation fit into EU policy?

On 26 February, the Horizon Europe Green Cluster for Science and Conservation Research gathered with policymakers from the European Commission and several National Ministries in Brussels for the Strategic Meeting on Advancing Innovation in Heritage Conservation.

The one-day event brought together three Horizon Europe research projects (GoGreen, MOXY, and GREENART) to showcase the latest advances in sustainable and green innovation for cultural heritage preservation. The morning sessions highlighted new research and project results, while the afternoon focused on shaping future policy pathways to support sustainable conservation, featuring a keynote address, a dynamic roundtable discussion, and concrete proposals for action.

The conversations and insights shared during the meeting have been summarised in a White Paper outlining 10 key policy recommendations and strategic priorities. They will serve as a valuable reference and a foundation for continued collaboration as the Green Cluster works collectively toward the resilience of our cultural heritage.

The policy message was clear: the future of heritage and conservation is green, but if Europe is serious about sustainability and resilience, it must protect what sustains civilisational life. Cultural heritage is the memory of human culture and identity — the identity that holds Europe together — and safeguarding it must now shift from mere recognition to active integration, starting with concrete policy instruments and coordinated efforts

Special thanks to the many speakers, attendees, organisers and the host Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage in Brussels (KIK-IRPA) enabling such an important conversation. The recordings of the meetings are available here.

Photo: Keynote speaker Prof. Dr. Hermann Pazinger (Executive President, Europa Nostra).

You can read the full White Paper here: