Cultural heritage is the beating heart of European life. It is the fabric of our communities and societies, and the thread that connects our past to our future. Cultural heritage is woven into our landscapes, our literature, our food and our films. And in 2018, the European Year of Cultural Heritage is celebrating the rich tapestry of our shared history and identity. 

This is the first of 6 newsletters which will bring you all of the relevant highlights and opportunities as the year continues. Don’t forget to share it with friends and colleagues who may be interested, and keep an eye out for more exciting updates sent straight to your inbox!

Today in Milan, Tibor Navracsics, the Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport launched the year at the European Culture Forum 2017. He was joined by 800 participants, including Indrek Saar, Minister of Culture of Estonia, Dario Franceschini, Minister of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism of Italy, and Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament.

"Cultural heritage is something that we have inherited from our ancestors and that we experience, often unconsciously, in our daily lives. Wherever we come from and whatever we believe in, it is our cultural heritage that makes us European. It is our heritage that makes Europe meaningful."

Tibor Navracsics