COMUNICACIÓN

This is reflected in the recently published reports of the project “Integrating European Values into Cultural Heritage”, carried out within the framework of the European Heritage Label awarded by the European Commission. (09/02/2026)

The European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation, Patrimonio Nacional, and the Minas de Almadén – Parque Minero developed the project “Integrating European Values into Cultural Heritage” through a series of meetings and joint activities held at these two sites during 2025. The aim was to explore strategies for better integrating European values into cultural heritage, and more specifically into sites certified with the European Heritage Label.

Some of the conclusions of the final report are that European cultural heritage should be accessible, participatory, and link the rural with the European and the digital with the emotional; that young citizens are key to spreading heritage; and that networks and alliances should be the new cultural infrastructure. The report also states that cooperation between institutions, the use of digital tools, heritage education, and sustainability are fundamental pillars for advancing towards a more cohesive, democratic Europe that is aware of its memory.

Participants in the debates, conferences and roundtables held at the Monastery of San Jerónimo de Yuste in May, and at the Real Hospital de Mineros de San Rafael and the Parque Minero de Almadén in October, concluded that the integration of European values into cultural heritage must serve as a transversal axis guiding interpretation, communication, management and community engagement.

In addition to these meetings, the project also hosted two musical events. The first took place at the Monastery of San Jerónimo de Yuste in June, featuring a concert by the Masa Coral de Mineros de Almadén. In early September, the ensemble Camara Antiqva performed the programme “Concierto de Extremadura al Nuevo Mundo” in the courtyard of the Real Hospital de Mineros de San Rafael at the Minas de Almadén – Parque Minero.

Two videos were also produced, illustrating how sites awarded the European Heritage Label —using the Monastery of Yuste and the Minas de Almadén as examples— can promote European values and contribute to the European integration process.

Pilot project

This pilot project focused on the Monastery in Cuacos de Yuste, aiming to enhance the visibility of heritage sites and foster cooperation among experts and managers of European cultural heritage. In the case of the Minas de Almadén, it was highlighted that industrial heritage offers a unique opportunity to narrate Europe’s history from the perspectives of labour, innovation, exchange and social progress.

The various meetings included institutional representatives from the European Commission, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, the European Heritage Label offices in Spain and Portugal, the regional governments of Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha, representatives from the Council of Europe Cultural Routes, the Minas de Almadén, the European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation, Patrimonio Nacional, as well as experts and academics.

This initiative has been led by Yuste Foundation and Patrimonio Nacional, representing the Monastery of San Jerónimo de Yuste, in collaboration with the Minas de Almadén – Parque Minero. To enhance the visibility and significance of both sites as part of a shared European heritage, a variety of cultural activities, networking events and training sessions were carried out, demonstrating the importance of these two locations not only from a historical and cultural perspective, but also in the transmission of European values. The project was co-financed by the European Union under the Creative Europe programme for the European Heritage Label and received support from the EHL-Bureau.

The project reports, including conclusions and recommendations, are available in Spanish and English on Yuste Foundation’s website: https://www.fundacionyuste.org/ivepc-integrar-los-valores-europeos-en-el-patrimonio-cultural-2025/