May 2022 – Raising the bar on cultural heritage engagement

September 30, 2022

⌄ 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.