The Theophano Foundation, committed to highlighting the collective values that bridge differences among people, nations, and ideologies—while deepening the sense of a shared European consciousness—will this year present the Empress Theophano Prize to EUROPA NOSTRA, the most renowned pan-European organization for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage.
The award ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 6, at the emblematic monument of the Rotunda in Thessaloniki, in a special event that will “illuminate” the present and future of Europe.
Honoring Cultural Heritage as a Pillar of European Unity
This year’s award recognizes EUROPA NOSTRA’s outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of Europe’s cultural heritage as a fundamental pillar of unity, identity, and sustainable development.
For more than 60 years, EUROPA NOSTRA—the Voice of European Civil Society for cultural heritage—has worked tirelessly to strengthen shared values and cultural cohesion among European societies.
As the most important cultural heritage network in Europe, it plays a crucial role in affirming the importance of Europe’s common heritage—its preservation and promotion—as a source of reference and strength for modern Europe in the face of today’s social and political challenges.
The award will be received by Executive President Professor Dr. Hermann Parzinger and Secretary General Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailović.
A European Institution of Recognition
The Empress Theophano Prize, awarded annually in a distinguished ceremony at the Rotunda in Thessaloniki, has achieved pan-European recognition and prestige in just five years of existence.
This year’s Award Ceremony will once again bring together leading figures—champions of European unity, international organizations that promote shared values, and distinguished personalities of global influence—who will travel to Thessaloniki for the occasion.
Among those attending will be Herman Van Rompuy, President of the Foundation’s Advisory Council, Honorary President of the European Council, and former Prime Minister of Belgium; Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland; Mary McAleese, former President of Ireland; Sir Ivan Rogers, former UK Ambassador to the European Union; Maria Luisa Poncela, former Minister of the Interior of Spain; and many others.
A Prize for What Unites Europe
In today’s era of global discord and uncertainty, the Empress Theophano Prize seeks to shed light on what bridges divides, on what stands for unity, understanding, cohesion, humanism, and solidarity—the system of values that forms the intrinsic strength of Europe and a guiding principle for the Europe of today and tomorrow.
Born in the heart of Europe, this initiative has brought together leading personalities from politics, diplomacy, literature, and the arts. Acting as a “common voice of Europe,” it seeks to highlight individuals and organizations that embody the universal principles and values defining Europe’s modern role in today’s social and political challenges.
Previous Laureates
This year marks the sixth edition of the Prize.
2020: The focus was on Education; the award was presented to the Erasmus Programme of the European Commission and personally received by Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.
2021: The focus turned to Science; Dr. Uğur Şahin and Dr. Özlem Türeci, the scientific duo behind the first COVID-19 vaccine, were honored for their dedication to the common good.
2022: The Prize celebrated the Arts as a platform for mutual understanding and was awarded to Maestro Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, a symbolic project for building bridges between peoples.
2023: The award went to the United Nations and Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasizing the humanitarian role of multilateral leadership.
2024: It was presented to the Special Olympics, represented by Dr. Timothy Shriver, for advancing the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and promoting an inclusive society in which all individuals are honored, accepted, and welcomed regardless of ability.
Statements
Stavros Andreadis, President of the Governing Board of the Theophano Foundation, stated:
“This year’s award focuses on the fundamental role of cultural heritage throughout Europe. We live in turbulent times—a time when we urgently need to deepen our commitment to preserving our shared heritage. The award to Europa Nostra transcends the individual, the local, and the national, reminding us that we are part of a broader whole—a European heritage, Europa Nostra—‘Our Europe’.”
Herman Van Rompuy, former President of the European Council of the EU and President of the Advisory Council of the Theophano Foundation, said:
“This year’s award seeks to underline that, in times of a return to national identity, it is essential to recognize that Europeans share a common cultural heritage—a key part of our European identity, past, present, and future. Looking toward Europe’s future, this year’s award to Europa Nostra highlights the crucial role of heritage in the economy, society, culture, environment, and overall well-being of our common continent—our shared home.”
Cecilia Bartoli, President of Europa Nostra, commented:
“We are thrilled and deeply honored to receive this year’s Empress Theophano Prize. It is a great distinction and an enormous responsibility. It will strengthen our determination to continue Europa Nostra’s mission and to expand our work, which is vital in promoting a sense of unity and belonging among Europe’s citizens and communities. Together, we must intensify our efforts to safeguard and enhance unity in the diversity of this rich heritage for the benefit of present and future generations.”
Professor Dr. Hermann Parzinger, Executive President of Europa Nostra, added:
“Today, as Europe faces serious threats to its core values, we at Europa Nostra remain steadfast in our commitment to defend and promote them. Our role is to highlight the European significance of our shared cultural heritage and its importance in advancing peace, democracy, security, sustainability, and quality of life across Europe’s cities and countryside. We are grateful to the Theophano Foundation for recognizing the quality and relevance of Europa Nostra’s work in building a better future for our Europe.”
