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EU4Culture Officially Concludes After Restoring
and Revitalising 23 Cultural Heritage Sites Across Albania
The EU4Culture programme, one of the European Union's
largest investments in cultural heritage in Albania,
officially concluded in June 2026, leaving behind a
lasting legacy of restored cultural landmarks,
strengthened capacities and new opportunities for
communities across the country.
Funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS
in close cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism,
Culture and Sports, the programme was launched in
response to the extensive damage caused to Albania's
cultural heritage by the 2019 earthquake.
Through an investment of €40 million, EU4Culture
supported the restoration and revitalisation of
23 cultural heritage sites across eight municipalities,
including museums, castles, churches, monuments and
other important cultural landmarks.
But EU4Culture went beyond restoring buildings and
monuments. Its implementation generated more than
64,000 working days and brought together engineers,
architects, researchers, craftspeople, cultural
professionals, public institutions and local
communities. The programme also supported initiatives
that brought people closer to their cultural heritage,
particularly young people, while helping create new
opportunities for cultural tourism and local
economic development.
While the programme has now come to an end, its impact
continues. Restored heritage sites have been returned
to communities and visitors, knowledge and professional
capacities have been strengthened, and renewed spaces
for culture, education and tourism are contributing to
keeping Albania's cultural heritage alive.
EU4Culture has shown how investing in cultural heritage
is not only about preserving the past. It is also about
creating opportunities for communities today and
ensuring that Albania's rich cultural heritage can be
experienced and appreciated by generations to come.
Watch the video to discover more about the programme's
journey, achievements and the legacy it leaves behind:
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