The European Commission has proposed 2018 as the European Year of Cultural Heritage.

Europe’s cities and landscapes are marked by physical memories of the past. Castles, bridges and archaeological wonders are some of the most quintessential examples. Traditions, languages and art passed through the generations shape our everyday lives.
Because cultural heritage is so central to Europe’s identity and due to the grave threats it faces in conflict zones, the European Commission considers that the time is right to celebrate cultural heritage in 2018.
The year will highlight what the EU can do for conservation, digitisation, infrastructure, research and skills development.