Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

The aim of this conference is to raise the awareness of European policymakers and the cultural heritage sector of the way that cultural heritage closely interacts with other policy areas.

How can we preserve and maintain important cultural heritage treasures for future generations?

In Europe, the management and preservation of cultural heritage is organised at the national and regional level. Cultural heritage is everywhere. It does not stand in isolation, but overlaps with a wide variety of other sectors such as agriculture, land-use planning, media, research, the environment and tourism. The way that cultural heritage is interwoven with other policy areas has implications for the European policy as well.

At this conference, the speakers will offer instruments for better incorporating the interests of cultural heritage into the EU policy. Good examples and an initial outline of strategies will be discussed, ending with a debate featuring key figures from the cultural heritage sector.

The location of this conference will certainly offer a prime example of cultural heritage preservation. The complex of buildings dates back to the Middle Ages and was once the city’s largest facility for the sick and the poor. A part of it has been turned into a museum, while the symposium itself will be held in the building that was used as a hospital in the 19th century.

More information is available on the conference website.