Cooperation with member States in the field of cultural and natural heritage is implemented through projects that allow practical intervention in the field. These projects are managed, at the countries’ request, as part of the
Technical Co-operation and
Consultancy Programme related to the integrated rehabilitation of the heritage". Their
"pilot" dimension provides concrete experience which can be replicated in other contexts, and which is of interest to all those member States who are committed to implementing the European heritage conventions.
Since 2003, particular efforts have been made in favour of priority regions, or those regions made up of countries wishing to solve common problems together. The
"Regional Programmes" offer integrated and innovative approaches to local sustainable development, based on the enhancement of the cultural and natural resources of territories, in particular in sectors where cultural and heritage issues are essential for development, reconciliation or creating the right conditions for post-conflict processes.
Programmes of activities
Regional Programme for South East Europe
This Regional Programme was launched in 2003 in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, "the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" and Kosovo*. With its three components (institutional capacity building, heritage rehabilitation and local development), it contributes to peace and reconciliation in a region undergoing complex political, legal, economic and social transition.
EU/Coe Support to the promotion of cultural diversity in Kosovo*
In collaboration with the appropriate institutions, this project aims at developing activities linked to cultural heritage rehabilitation (especially its economic potential), by using cultural heritage as a tool for reconciliation and dialogue between communities.
Regional Programme for the Kyiv Initiative: Black Sea and South Caucasus
This Regional Programme was initiated by the Ministers of Culture of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine in December 2006. The Kyiv Initiative reflects the idea that culture, heritage, protection of the environment and urban planning are interconnected elements in a global policy for the democratic development of communities.
PIAG: Post-Conflict Immediate Actions for the Social and Economic Revitalisation of the Communities and the Cultural Environment in the Municipality of Gori (Georgia)
Following the conflict in August 2008, this project aims at developing a series of tools for contributing to the reconstruction and development of the Gori region: Guidelines for reconstruction; Pilot Projects for the rehabilitation of Nikozi village and monastery; Reference Plan for the regional development of Gori.