Participation of the CNCI in the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2025 – Brussels
From 12 to 15 October 2025, the National Centre for Industrial Culture (CNCI) took part in the European Cultural Heritage Summit organised by Europa Nostra in Brussels, under the theme ‘Heritage Matters for Europe’.
The event, which brought together more than 700 participants from European institutions, governments, associations and heritage professionals, highlighted the essential role of culture and heritage in advancing the European project.
A decisive European context
The choice of Brussels was highly symbolic: as the European Commission prepares the first Culture Compass for Europe and discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) begin, the Summit served as a strategic platform for exchanges to reaffirm the importance of heritage within European policies.
Highlights of the Summit
12 October: European Heritage Excellence Day
At the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, the 30 winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2025 presented their exemplary projects in restoration, innovation, and community engagement.
The chair of the jury, Jacek Purchla, praised their contribution to a more sustainable, green, and inclusive future for Europe.
13 October: General Meeting and Awards Ceremony
The Royal Library of Belgium hosted the Europa Nostra General Assembly, which featured several appointments and a moving tribute to three departed members.
Cecilia Bartoli, President of Europa Nostra, delivered a video message highlighting the significance of the Empress Theophano Prize 2025, recently awarded to the organisation.
In the evening, the European Heritage Awards Ceremony took place at Flagey, attended by around 600 guests.
The 2025 Grand Prix awards went to:
• L’Hôtel de Ville d’Anvers (Belgique)
• The programme Secrets of the Ice (Norvège)
• Pro Monumenta (Slovaquie)
• Hedgehog’s Home (Serbie)
• Inge Bisgaard (Groenland/Danemark)
The Public Choice Award went to the restoration of the Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid (Spain).
Notable contributions from Sabine Verheyen, HRH Princess Dana Firas, and Ans Persoons underscored the unifying role of heritage in fostering European cohesion.
14 October: European Heritage Hub Forum
The “Heritage Matters for Europe’s Cities and Citizens” Forum, held at Brussels City Hall, brought together over 200 participants to discuss the integration of heritage into European policies.
The debates underscored the importance of integrating culture and heritage into the Culture Compass and the next European budget, in order to promote social cohesion and active citizenship.
A visit to the Museum of Europe also offered participants the opportunity to reflect on the continent’s shared historical roots.
15 October: European Heritage Policy Agora
The Agora “The Europeans: Shared Cultural Roots and Values”, held at the European Parliament, brought together historians, Members of the European Parliament, and cultural actors for a lecture by the British historian Orlando Figes.
The ensuing debate underscored heritage’s role as a vehicle for European unity and identity.
Outlook: the “Brussels Manifesto”
The conclusions of the Summit will be compiled in the “Brussels Manifesto – Heritage matters for Europe / Europe matters for Heritage”, which will call for heritage to be fully integrated into European strategies and budgets.
The next European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026 will take place in Nicosia (Cyprus) from 27 to 30 May 2026, under the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and will focus on the cultural connections between Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.
Impressions and challenges for the CNCI
Discussions at the Summit emphasized the founding values of European culture, which are currently challenged by an unstable geopolitical context. Defending this shared cultural identity appears more essential than ever.
For the CNCI, this participation provided an opportunity for productive meetings with members of the Europa Nostra Industrial Heritage Committee. The CNCI’s active involvement is therefore essential to ensure Luxembourg’s visibility and maintain a strong presence within the European heritage network.
