Blue = Organisations / Black = Individuals / Green = Both
Horizon Europe – The promotion of cultural heritage falls under Cluster 2 of pillars 2 “Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society”. mainly aimed at researchers, universities, cultural organisations and multidisciplinary consortia (often requiring partners from several eligible countries.) Institutions can apply (via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal); proposals are submitted through the Portal and, if written in another language, must include an English abstract/summary.
Digital Europe Programme (2021-2027) focuses on developing advanced technologies to enhance digital transformation in the European economy and society. These technologies include AI, cybersecurity, and semiconductors that strengthen Europe’s digital transition. (Companies, SMEs, universities, organisations, research centres, etc.) can apply through calls on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal; eligibility covers EU Member States and countries associated with the programme.
Creative Europe, (2021-2027) includes programs like MEDIA for film industries. It’s the European Union’s primary and largest funding program for culture. It funds cultural and creative organisations from EU Member states and also non-EU countries under certain conditions. As for applications, English is recommended. Individuals can apply through the Culture Moves Europe mobility scheme which aids cultural professionals and artists to travel and perform projects in another country.
Erasmus+ mobilities and cultural exchange mainly for youth. It allows students (ages 18-30 ), staff, trainees to participate in mobility exchanges, either physically or virtually. These exchanges allow individuals to study or work abroad across Europe for shorter trips of 5-30 days or longer 2-12 months. Individuals can apply individually or as an organization. Applications are open to schools, NGO’s, local authorities, and accredited institutions. Here you can find more information.
Erasmus for young Entrepreneurs – cross border business exchange, enables new entrepreneurs to spend 1-6 months with an experienced host entrepreneur in another country. The programme is open to participants residing in EU Member states and other associated countries.
European Cultural Center. Founded in 1950 by Denis de Rougemont following the Hague Congress. To date they have organized and hosted over 50 contemporary art, design and architecture exhibitions worldwide – as well as hundreds of meetings, workshops, symposiums and other cultural events. The ECC has established centers in Italy, USA, France, Spain, Middle-East and Seychelles.
Sources: In-depth description
Facebook
Exhibition from 2024
Europa Nostra – Founded in 1963 in Paris they have continued to celebrate, protect and advocate for cultural heritage in Europe. Maintaining close relationships with the European Union, UNESCO, and the Council of Europe, it covers 40 countries and is recognized as the largest and most representative heritage network in Europe.
Sources: Northern Europe Winners
Culture Compass for Europe
European Heritage Alliance
Europa Nostra in Romania
European Capital of Culture – Funded by Culture and Creativity, it was founded in 1985 by Melina Mercouri. The chosen city is given a year to showcase its cultural life and development, with most of them being known internationally.
Sources: Timeline and how to apply
Capital of Culture 2026
Romania Capital of Culture: 2007 and 2023
RAPHAEL – Cultural heritage program established by the European Parliament and Council Decisions which ran from the 13th of October 1997 to 31st of December 2000. It is intended to support and supplement, through cooperation, actions of European importance taken by Member States in the field of Cultural heritage.
European Heritage Day – The most widely celebrated participatory cultural event shared by the people of Europe. Launched in 1985, it boasts up to 20 million visitors every year, and generates the greatest value of any ’’ European ’’ cultural project. The aim is to: raise awareness to the cultural diversity of Europe, counter racism and xenophobia and invite Europe to respond to the social, political and economic challenges it faces.
Sources: Europe Heritage Days 2026
European Heritage Days 2025
Europe Heritage Days
World Heritage Convention UNESCO – Adopted in 1972 it seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage that is considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. Today, 196 countries adhere to the World Heritage Convention, and serves as a tool for addressing climate change, rapid urbanization, mass tourism and other contemporary challenges.
Sources: Video explaining the World Heritage Convention
Its goals and activities
UNESCO Heritage Romania
Master of Arts in Cultural Mediation – Hildesheim Universität – Programme description
The Institute for Cultural Policy trains students in theory, research and practice across three pillars—cultural policy, cultural management, and cultural education—so they can analyse debates, form positions, and design strategies.
Culture Compass for Europe – It is a framework to embed culture, creativity and heritage at the core of EU policymaking. Cultural rights are at the core of
CrossCulture Programme – It allows young professionals or volunteers to work for two or three months in an intercultural setting (over 40 countries) to acquire new skills. The goal of the programme is to strengthen the network between Germany and other countries. It is aimed for individuals.
Programs that function in specific regions
Nordic co-operation – One of the world’s oldest and comprehensive regional partnerships made up of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and the autonomous territories of Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland. It promotes closer co-operation between the Nordic countries by proposing initiatives that improve everyday life of the citizens, help the region play a bigger role in the world, and address challenges faced by all of the Nordic countries. It has 87 elected members and the political work is done by committes and party groups.
Sources: A more in-depth presentation
Swedish delegation
A research paper
Nordisk kulturfund – Apply and receive funds for different projects in the Nordic area.
Sources: Facebook
Instagram
How to apply
Folke Bernadotte Academy – Swedish government agency for peace, security and development. Conducts training, research and method development in order to strengthen peacebuilding and statebuilding in conflict and post-conflict countries.
Sources: Folk Hero
The legacy of Folke Bernadotte
His wikipedia page