European Heritage Label 2024 evaluation : report : annexes

The original concept of the European Heritage Label (hereafter the "EHL") was proposed in May 2005 by the French Minister of Culture and picked up as an intergovernmental initiative under the leadership of France, Spain, Belgium, and Hungary on 28 April 2006. Its initial aim was to foster young European people sense of belonging and understanding of the European Union. Subsequently, the EHL action was launched as an EU initiative in 2011 through a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council. The EHL highlights sites, which have played a significant role in the history, culture and development of the European Union, through information and educational activities. The ultimate objective of the EHL is to strengthen people's sense of belonging to the European Union and to strengthen intercultural dialogue. A further goal is to increase cultural tourism, which will result in economic benefits. The sites selected for the label may be of any kind, representing tangible or intangible heritage associated with a place, including contemporary heritage. The awarding of EHL sites takes place every second year. The 2023 selection is ongoing, and results are to be announced early 2024. The next selection will take place in 2025. Decision No 1194/2011/EU of the European Parliament and the Council also gave a structured consistent and transparent system for the designation of EHL sites, outlining a two-step selection and monitoring procedures and including a regular evaluation exercise. Sites must initially be pre-selected at national level. Whenever relevant, Member States could involve local and regional authorities. The selection then take place at Union level. At the EU level, the European Panel is responsible for carrying out the selection and monitoring. The Panel is composed of 13 Independent experts nominated by the EU institutions, it ensures that the criteria are properly applied by the sites across the Member States.