International Forum “Safeguarding Cultural Heritage – European Challenges in Times of War and Crisis”

Topics of Expert Panels
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As part of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the international forum “Safeguarding Cultural Heritage – European Challenges in Times of War and Crisis” was held on 3–4 April 2025 at the International Cultural Centre in Kraków. The event was organised by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, together with the National Headquarters of the State Fire Service, with the participation of numerous national and international institutions.

The aim of the Forum was to facilitate the exchange of experience and best practices among European experts in the field of safeguarding cultural heritage threatened by natural and man-made disasters, armed conflicts, terrorism and the illicit trafficking of cultural property. Such threats can be effectively addressed only through intensive and systematic cooperation among specialised institutions, as well as through strengthened efforts by the governmental authorities of the European Union member states.

The programme included presentations and panel discussions devoted to the following topics:

principles of response in the face of information warfare and armed conflicts
a catalogue of joint actions undertaken by civilian institutions and uniformed services in response to crises and fire-related threats
regional initiatives for cooperation in support of cultural heritage at risk
mechanisms for cooperation among European institutions within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism
projects and programmes for the protection of cultural heritage in the context of crises and wars

The plenary part of the Forum took place at the International Cultural Centre. In addition, participants visited the Wawel Royal Castle – State Art Collection, the National Museum in Kraków – Princes Czartoryski Museum, and St Mary’s Basilica. At the Wawel Royal Castle, practical aspects of safeguarding the most valuable collections were presented, along with examples of cooperation among integrated services, inspections and guard units in carrying out protection tasks.

Experts from Poland and other European countries, including Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Czechia, Ukraine, Sweden and France, were invited to participate in the event. The Forum also provided an opportunity to present Poland’s contribution to the protection of cultural heritage, including a reminder of the achievements of Prof. Jan Zachwatowicz and Prof. Karol Estreicher, who played a key role in safeguarding cultural collections during the Second World War and in the post-war reconstruction.

Speakers’ Biographies

Participation in the Forum was possible only by personal invitation and upon completion of the accreditation process.

The detailed programme of the event is available here.