A Major Step Forward for Heritage Education: EHU Joins Europa Nostra
The European Humanities University has been accepted as an Associate Organisation of Europa Nostra, Europe’s leading network for cultural heritage.
In recent years, EHU has developed into a strong regional platform for critical heritage studies. The University offers programmes such as the MA in Cultural Heritage Development and the BA in European Heritage and Creative Tourism, and regularly hosts international academic and civic initiatives.
The decision, approved by the Board of Europa Nostra, marks an important step in EHU’s international engagement and strengthens its position within the European heritage community. The University will collaborate closely with the Europa Nostra Heritage Hub in Kraków, contributing to joint initiatives in research and education.
“Joining Europa Nostra is both an honour and an important opportunity,” said Dr. Stsiapan Stureika, Associate Professor at EHU. “For us, cultural heritage is not only about preservation, but also about dialogue, participation, and the ability of societies to reflect on their past in complex political contexts.”
For EHU, this partnership is also a practical step toward strengthening how we train students in the field of cultural heritage. Through this cooperation, students in the BA and MA programmes will gain access to European professional networks, expert communities, and project-based learning opportunities. We also plan to involve more students and early- career researchers in international initiatives, with a focus on themes such as cultural rights, community participation, and digital transformation.
Another important area of cooperation will be the environmental dimension of cultural heritage. Building on its recent work in heritage and ecology, EHU will contribute to discussions on how traditional knowledge, cultural landscapes, and community practices can support climate adaptation and biodiversity protection. The University promotes more integrated approaches that connect cultural and environmental agendas and see heritage not only as something to protect, but also as a resource for ecological transition.