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Lesson 5. The EU’s Approach to Safeguarding Living Heritage

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A different approach from UNESCO

Unlike UNESCO, which has a dedicated 2003 Convention, the European Union (EU) does not have one single treaty devoted to intangible cultural heritage (ICH). Instead, the EU integrates ICH into broader strategies on culture, education, research, and regional development.

This reflects the European idea of “unity in diversity”: every community has its own songs, rituals, and crafts, but together these form a shared European cultural space.

Culture as a common European good

The EU sees culture and heritage as key resources for:

  • Identity and belonging – citizens feel both local and European.
  • Dialogue and democracy – minority languages, local rituals, and traditional knowledge strengthen participation.
  • Sustainability and innovation – traditions can inspire eco-friendly solutions, creative industries, and social cohesion.

Thus, safeguarding ICH is not isolated, but linked to bigger European goals.

Programs and funding

The EU supports intangible heritage through several funding channels:

  • Creative Europe – cross-border cultural projects, mobility of artists, reinterpretation of traditions.
  • Erasmus+ – education and training programs, often including heritage exchange projects.
  • Horizon Europe – research and digital innovation in cultural heritage.
  • Regional & cohesion funds – local festivals, crafts, and tourism projects connected to heritage.

Example: A local weaving festival in Romania can receive EU regional funds to promote both tradition and sustainable tourism.

Labels and networks

  • European Heritage Label: awarded to sites and practices symbolizing European values (democracy, integration, diversity).
  • Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes (supported by EU funds): e.g., the Olive Tree Route linking Mediterranean agricultural practices, or the Routes of Santiago de Compostela.

These initiatives show how the EU links local traditions to European stories.

Key characteristics of the EU model

  • Integrated: heritage is tied to education, tourism, and innovation.
  • Cross-border: projects bring together communities from different countries.
  • Forward-looking: emphasis on digital tools and sustainability.
  • Inclusive: special attention to minority cultures and underrepresented traditions.

Try it yourself

Imagine you want to design a project for EU funding based on an ICH element from your community. Write a short abstract that includes:

  1. The tradition you want to promote.
  2. Project goals (e.g., safeguarding, youth education, cultural tourism).
  3. Expected results (community involvement, new skills, awareness).
  4. The EU program you would apply under (Creative Europe, Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, cohesion funds).

Then share in class: which program best fits your idea and why?

Reflection questions

  • Why doesn’t the EU have a convention like UNESCO’s?
  • How do EU programs complement UNESCO’s safeguarding work?
  • Is it better to support heritage through broad policies (education, culture, research) or through a single dedicated framework?
  • How can cross-border projects strengthen local traditions?
  • Which element from your community could realistically be funded by an EU program?
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