The Awards scheme, jointly organised by the European Commission and Europa Nostra, the pan-European Federation for Cultural Heritage that represents over 250 NGOs and over 160 other organisations dedicated to heritage active in 45 countries across Europe, will celebrate outstanding initiatives within the European cultural heritage sector and will highlight exceptional restoration and conservation, research and education achievements, as well as dedicated service to heritage conservation.

The aim of the Awards is to promote high standards and high-quality skills in conservation practice and to stimulate trans-border exchanges in the area of heritage. By spreading the "Power of Example", the Awards also aims to encourage further efforts and projects related to heritage protection throughout Europe.

Over the years, the awards programme has seen remarkable examples of cultural preservation of Europe’s heritage that represent both some of the most well-known sites in Europe and others that are unique and hidden treasures of the communities in which they reside, such as Trafalgar Square in London (2003 laureate) or the beautiful "Hernergut" bathing Pavilion in Horgen, Switzerland (2005 laureate).

Among the 28 selected winners of the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards, seven Grand Prize winners will be chosen as the most outstanding examples of heritage protection, which will be announced at the awards ceremony. Each Grand Prize winner will receive a monetary reward of € 10,000. These winners have been selected amongst a group of nearly 140 projects from 24 countries.

Presenting the awards will be Mr Ján Figel’, the European Commissioner responsible for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, and Her Royal Highness The Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbón, President of Europa Nostra.

Each of the winners will receive a commemorative plaque to be placed outside the building to serve as a reminder of the impressive and noteworthy efforts to preserve Europe’s built heritage. These medals can be spotted across Europe at previous project winners from the last seven award ceremonies and this year’s winners will soon be able to join this prestigious group.

For more information: www.europanostra.org