Deadline: 7 September 2026, 23:59 CEST
Type: Paid awards program
Eligible applicants: Individuals, teams, organizations
Managing bodies: European Commission and Europa Nostra
Main focus: Heritage preservation, research, education, and promotion
The European Heritage Awards 2027 are a paid recognition program for heritage work across Europe. They are jointly managed with Europa Nostra and supported under European cultural programs. The source says the awards welcome entries in tangible, intangible, and digital heritage.
What the European Heritage Awards 2027 Recognize
These awards were first established by the European Commission in 2002. Since then, they have highlighted excellence in heritage protection throughout Europe. They also aim to honor work that preserves, conserves, researches, educates, and promotes cultural heritage.
The program covers five categories. These are conservation and adaptive reuse, research, education, training and skills, citizens engagement and awareness-raising, and heritage champions. The source also states that up to thirty outstanding heritage achievements will be honored.
Benefits and Recognition
This is a paid award that offers cash prizes. Moreover, selected winners may receive the Grand Prix award of €10,000, while one project will receive the Public Choice Award with a cash prize of €10,000. In addition, winners can gain Europe-wide and international exposure, media coverage, and possible new collaborators or funding opportunities.
✓ Cash prizes are available for selected winners.
✓ Grand Prix winners may receive €10,000.
✓ One project may receive the Public Choice Award with €10,000.
✓ Awardees become part of a community of heritage experts, professionals, and supporters.
Who Can Apply
The awards are open to individuals, teams, and organizations. However, eligibility is limited to countries participating in the Creative Europe Programme. Other countries may only apply under the Europa Nostra Awards framework.
• Each project or entry must be submitted in only one category.
• Applicants must have the authority to represent the project.
• Written consent is required from relevant parties, depending on the category.
• Members of the Selection Committees, Jury, or Europa Nostra Board cannot submit or be nominated in the Heritage Champions category.
• Projects may be submitted again if the application is updated or includes extra supporting documents.
• Incomplete entries are not accepted.
• All submissions must be in English.
Selection Criteria
The source lists five selection criteria: quality, European significance, results or impact, knowledge transfer and dissemination, and community engagement. These criteria show what the judges will look for in each entry.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online. Applicants should also submit their entries in English. After successful submission, the system sends automatic confirmation. The source further advises applicants to check that they meet the rules before sending the entry.
Deadline
The final date for the European Heritage Awards 2027 is 7 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST. Late submissions will miss the deadline.
