Photo: Europa Nostra Hub Conference ‘Music Now! Musica Nostra’ in Mafra, Portugal

The Empress Theophano Prize 2025, one of Europe’s most distinguished honours celebrating efforts to bridge divides through shared values, has been awarded to Europa Nostra, the leading pan-European federation dedicated to safeguarding Europe’s cultural and natural heritage.

Each year, the Empress Theophano Prize is conferred by the Theophano Foundation to a person or organisation whose work exemplifies the power of European values to unify societies.

In its sixth year, the award recognises Europa Nostra’s six-decade commitment to demonstrating how cultural heritage fosters social cohesion, mutual understanding, and a sense of belonging across Europe.

The award ceremony will take place on 6 November 2025 at the Rotunda of Thessaloniki, a UNESCO-listed monument embodying the multicultural legacy of the Byzantine city.

Why Europa Nostra?
Europa Nostra — which celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2023 — is recognised for amplifying the role of cultural heritage in promoting peace, democracy, sustainability, and community well-being.

From championing endangered sites to fostering European collaboration through initiatives like the European Heritage Hub and the 7 Most Endangered Programme, Europa Nostra’s work reinforces the continent’s shared identity.

Stavros Andreadis, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Theophano Foundation said: “This year’s prize focuses on the key role of cultural heritage across Europe: We live in a time of turbulence, a time we urgently need to deepen the conversation regarding our common heritage. The prize awarded to Europa Nostra transcends the individual, the local, the national, and makes us aware that we are part of a greater whole, of a European heritage, in latin ‘Europa Nostra’ (Our Europe).”

Herman Van Rompuy, former President of the EU’s European Council and Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Theophano Foundation, said: “This year’s prize aims to underline that in times of the return to national identity, it is fundamental to realize that Europeans have a common European cultural heritage, part of our European identity in the past, present and future. And when gazing at the future of Europe, this year’s awarding of Europa Nostra highlights the important role of heritage for the economy, society, culture, environment, well-being of our common continent, our shared home.”

Cecilia Bartoli, President of Europa Nostra, commented: “We are delighted and proud to receive this year’s Empress Theophano Prize. This is a huge honour and also an immense responsibility; it will strengthen our resolve to pursue Europa Nostra’s mission and  further expand our work which are so vital for promoting a sense of togetherness and a sense of belonging among Europe’s citizens and their communities. Together we must step up our efforts to safeguard and enhance the unity in diversity of this rich heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.”

Prof. Dr Hermann Parzinger, Executive President of Europa Nostra, added:
“Today, when Europe faces serious threats to its core values, we at Europa Nostra remain unwavering in our commitment to defending and promoting these values. Our role is to highlight the European meaning of our shared cultural heritage and its significance for fostering peace, democracy, security, sustainability and quality of life in Europe’s cities and countryside. We are grateful to the Theophano Foundation for recognizing the quality and relevance of Europa Nostra’s work for building a better future for Our Europe.”

Professor Nada Kakabadse, Professor of Policy, Governance and Ethics at Henley Business School and member of the Governing Council of the Theophano Foundation, further praised the Foundation’s mission:

“I am deeply honoured to be part of the Theophano Foundation. It plays an essential role in showcasing the diversity and strength of European values and shaping today’s society.

“By recognising institutions like Europa Nostra, the Foundation affirms the central role of culture and heritage in building bridges between people, nations, and ideologies. It is a privilege to support an initiative that promotes unity through respect for our rich and varied past.”

About the Empress Theophano Prize
Named after the 10th-century Byzantine Empress Theophano — a figure symbolic of East-West dialogue — the Prize is unique in scope and spirit. Each year, the award shifts its thematic focus, previously honouring contributions to education, science, the arts, humanitarianism, and inclusion:

• 2020: Erasmus Programme, for educational integration
• 2021: Dr. Uğur Şahin and Dr. Özlem Türeci, for scientific advancement
• 2022: Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, for cultural diplomacy
• 2023: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, for multilateral humanitarian leadership
• 2024: Special Olympics, for advocating intellectual disability rights

About the Theophano Foundation
Founded in 2019, the Theophano Foundation aims to promote Europe’s humanistic values and illuminate their enduring significance in contemporary society. Through its annual Prize, it acknowledges outstanding contributions that build understanding and cohesion across cultures and disciplines.

About Europa Nostra
Europa Nostra is Europe’s largest and most representative heritage network, covering over 40 countries and working in partnership with the EU, Council of Europe, UNESCO, and others. Its mission is to protect, celebrate, and advocate for Europe’s cultural and natural treasures — from monuments to landscapes — for future generations.