Europa Nostra, the European-wide federation for cultural heritage, received the sixth ‘Empress Theophano Prize’ on 7th November, 2025, at a historic awards ceremony held at the Rotunda Monument in Thessaloniki, Greece.

Recognising Europa Nostra’s exceptional work in the promotion and safeguarding of Europe’s shared heritage H.E. Mr. Constantine An. Tassoulas, President of the Hellenic Republic, said the ‘values of democracy, solidarity, dialogue and creative interaction of cultures are what make Europe unique.’

Receiving the prize Executive President Professor Dr. Hermann Parzinger and Secretary-General Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović, noted the ongoing importance of protecting cultural heritage in an era of global challenges. 

Founded in 1963, Europa Nostra safeguards endangered heritage sites and helps influence European policy on culture and sustainability. 

Established in 2019, The Theophano Foundation presents the Empress Theophano Prize each year to individuals or organisations whose work strengthens cross-cultural understanding and European unity.

Previous recipients of the award have included the Erasmus Programme, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology.

This year’s recognition of Europa Nostra underscores the Foundation’s commitment to dialogue between history and modernity, bridging Europe’s past with its collective future.

Professor Nada Kakabadse, a member of the Theophano Foundation’s Governing Council and Professor of Leadership, Governance and Ethics at Henley Business School, commented: 

“Europa Nostra’s long-term work reminds us that cultural heritage is about more than preserving buildings or physical artefacts. It’s about keeping alive the values and connections that serve to bind Europe together.”

For further details about the award and its recipients, visit: https://www.theophano.eu/