ANNOUNCING: Cultural Heritage Protection

18/04/2024

The European Union is placing a greater emphasis on cultural heritage protection (CHP) as a vital component of its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). In this light, the Council of the EU adopted the Conclusions on the EU Approach to Cultural Heritage in Conflicts and Crises in June 2021. The Conclusions hold strategic importance for the EU’s peace and security initiatives but need to be integrated into the CSDP missions.

As part of this focus, the Centre for European Perspective (CEP) is organising an online training program on April 25, 2024, aimed at equipping members of EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia and EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) with the necessary skills and knowledge to safeguard cultural heritage in their respective host states.

The workshop is designed for up to 20 participants with little or no prior knowledge of CHP. It will provide a comprehensive introduction to the importance of cultural heritage protection and tools for its integration within the context of the CSDP mission.

The program will cover key topics such as:

  • Understanding CHP in Armenia and Georgia, where participants will learn about the significance of cultural heritage in these countries and the international legal framework governing CHP.
  • Identifying Threats and Damages: Attendees will learn to recognise and assess threats to cultural property, including identifying damages and their impact on local communities.
  • Engaging Local Communities: The training will emphasise strategies for working with local populations to address cultural heritage issues and collaborate on protection efforts.

For more information about the training program and the Centre for European Perspective, visit CEP’s website.