Together with many voices from the democratic world, Europa Nostra has conveyed a strong message of unity, hope and solidarity to the citizens of Ukraine who face immense suffering and hardship as the war continues. In our statement Europa Nostra stands in solidarity with Ukraine, issued on 25 February, we also expressed our readiness to work with our international and European partners, members and other heritage stakeholders in the region and beyond to provide any necessary assistance. Ever since, we have aligned our activities to support our fellow Europeans and cultural heritage defenders in Ukraine.

As stated by the Board of Europa Nostra at its meeting held on 10 March: “The rich and diverse heritage in Ukraine is THE most endangered heritage in the whole of Europe. We therefore need to support heritage defenders in Ukraine”. One month later, Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Information Policy sadly announced that they have already registered as many as 166 cultural sites destroyed or damaged as a result of attacks carried out by Russia’s army confirming the alarming state of endangered heritage in Ukraine.

Last month, already on 17 March, Europa Nostra participated in the International Coordination Meeting for Emergency Response for Culture in Ukraine convened by UNESCO. Many institutions and renowned organisations from the heritage world and beyond – including ALIPH, ICOM, ICOMOS, IUCN, ICCROM, Blue Shield International and the European Commission – gathered to discuss how to promptly and collaboratively act to respond to the emergency and critical situation in Ukraine. Subsequently, UNESCO invited our Executive President to join its Emergency Expert Group for Museums set up in support of Ukraine. 

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