Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity

From 2-4 July 2024, the European Heritage Days (EHD) Secretariat took part in the meetings organised in cooperation with the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo.

On 2 July, the EHD team, in cooperation with the Council of Europe Directorate of Political Affairs and External Relations, facilitated a meeting with cultural heritage authorities from the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic Srpska and canton Tuzla. The meeting aim was two-fold: to encourage active participation from all communities of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the international EHD network and to share good examples of engaging young people in EHD activities.

The meeting was opened by Suvad Džafić, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who highlighted the country’s rich and multicultural heritage and it’s active participation in international cultural heritage programmes. Participants were also welcomed by Bojana Urumova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Sarajevo, Edin Veladžić, National Coordinator of the European Heritage Days in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Frank Power, Head of the Policy Planning and Confidence Building Measures Division of the Council of Europe.

Sergei Bazarya, Programme Manager of the Council of Europe and the European Union Joint Programme “European Heritage Days”, emphasised the role of EHD in fostering a deeper understanding among Europe’s diverse cultures.

During the meeting participants were provided with examples of good practices in coordinating EHD in countries with decentralised system of heritage governance. Children and teachers from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro presented their perspectives on the importance of heritage and their experience of participation in the EHD’s Young European Heritage Makers competition.

On 3-4 July, the Working Group of the European Heritage Days national coordinators and experts gathered to discuss EHD 2026 annual theme, “Heritage at Risk". Prof Mike Robinson, an international expert on cultural heritage, presented different aspects of this theme and facilitated further discussion. Participants included Salome Jamburia, Chair of the EHD Programme and National Coordinator for Georgia, Agata Mucha, Vice-Chair and National Coordinator for Poland,  Anuška Deranja Crnokić, National Coordinator for Croatia, Eleni Zgouleta, National Coordinator for Greece, Edin Veladžić and Aleksandra Mihić, from Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milica Kotur, Head of Department for Protection of Cultural Heritage from the Ministry of culture and education of the Republic of Srpska and Monica Redondo-Alvarez from the Culture and Heritage for Democracy Division of the Council of Europe as well as EHD Secretariat members Sergei Bazarya and Itana Prljević.

The participants agreed that EHD in 2026 should not only highlight the threats to heritage but also to showcase success stories of protection and restoration. There is the opportunity to draw attention to those practices, performances, rituals, crafts and skills that are at risk of extinction without public awareness and broader community engagement, particularly from younger generations. Through collaboration among authorities, experts and enthusiasts, EHDs could provide an opportunity for the public, especially young people, to not only to visit heritage sites, but also participate in restoration and effective protection efforts.

The city of Sarajevo plaid an important role in the meeting, serving as an exemplary backdrop with its rich cultural diversity and historical significance. Known for its diverse society, culture, and religions, which have been preserved over the centuries, Sarajevo’s architecture is a unique blend of different styles and influences. Over time, various cultural and ethnic groups have come together, creating a community that reflects the way of life in the region. This combination makes Sarajevo a city of global significance, distinguished by its rich heritage and multicultural legacy.