Supporting Ukraine's cultural resilience: New study on cultural heritage funds in Europe
European Expert Network on Culture (EENC), coordinated by Panteia, KEA European Affairs, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel on behalf of the European Commission Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC), has published a new study to support the establishment of the Ukrainian Heritage Fund (UHF)—a key step in protecting and restoring Ukraine’s cultural heritage in the face of war-related destruction.
Download the report here: Case Studies on Cultural Heritage Funds in Europe (EU Publications)
Commissioned by the European Commission and developed by the EENC, the study provides a structured overview of funding models, governance structures, and operational mechanisms for cultural heritage funds across EU Member States and beyond. It aims to inspire Ukrainian policymakers in the creation of a transparent, effective, and sustainable funding mechanism for cultural heritage protection and recovery.
The report features:
- Case studies of institutional, incentive-based, and emergency heritage funding mechanisms;
- Governance and accountability models;
- Lessons learned and success factors from across Europe.
Martin Clarke, Expert and Network Coordinator, European Expert Network on Culture (EENC), noted:
“Ukraine’s cultural heritage has been deliberately targeted during the war — this study aims to support its recovery not only with solidarity, but with structure. By showcasing practical models from across Europe, we hope to assist Ukrainian authorities in building a Heritage Fund that is transparent, resilient, and fit for both emergency response and long-term restoration. Cultural heritage is not just a victim of conflict; it is part of the solution to rebuilding identity, unity, and national strength.”
In his foreword to the report, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef states:
“To destroy a nation, you target its culture: its beating heart. This is why military aggression targeting Ukrainian cultural heritage is not a mere expression of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, but a deliberate decision to undermine the identity, unity and, ultimately, the resilience of the Ukrainian people.”
He continues:
“This study aligns with our ongoing efforts to support Ukraine in the cultural sector.”
The study was developed in response to the Uzhhorod Declaration adopted at the ‘Cooperation for Resilience’ Conference in Ukraine in early 2025, where the Ukrainian Heritage Fund was identified as a key milestone in cultural recovery efforts.
