Heritage Dialogues - Mediterranean Crossings: Exploring Shared Heritage, Identity and Challenges

On 11 February 2026, the European Heritage Hub held its sixth Heritage Dialogue at the Citadelle de Marseille (Fort Saint-Nicolas), hosted by ACTA VISTA, BAO Formation and La Citadelle de Marseille. The event took place in French. Under the title “Mediterranean Crossings: Exploring Shared Heritage, Identity and Challenges" ("Carrefours Méditerranéens: Patrimonies, Indentités et Défis Communs"), it brought together representatives from the European institutions, international organisations, civil society leaders, heritage practitioners and local actors to reflect on the role of cultural heritage in strengthening cooperation across the Mediterranean region. The Heritage Dialogue included opening remarks and interventions from: Manon Richard, Project Manager of the European Heritage Hub Sneška Quaedvlieg–Mihailović, Secretary General of Europa Nostra and Project Leader of the European Heritage Hub, Catherine Magnant, Head of Unit for Cultural Policy at the European Commission (DG EAC) Tanguy Specq, representing the European Commission in Marseille Pâquerette Demotes-Mainard, Director General of ACTA VISTA, BAO Formation and La Citadelle de Marseille Paul Dujardin, Commissioner-General for Heritage in the Brussels-Capital Region and President of Europa Nostra Belgium A panel discussion followed, moderated by Elizabeth Vénisse of ACTA VISTA, and featured panellists from cultural infrastructure, civil society networks, site management and heritage diplomacy: Philippe Gimet, Executive Director of the Centre Européen de Musique (CEM) Catherine Leonard, Secretary-General of the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) Mathilde Rubinstein, Executive Director of La Citadelle de Marseille Alkis Voskarides, Consul of Cyprus in Marseille and Director for Architecture and Construction at the Bouches-du-Rhône Department The Dialogue concluded with the presentation of the early stages of the AURATA project, linking Naples and Marseille. For more information, visit europeanheritagehub.eu! This video was shot and edited by Luc Sarlin, Les Têtes de l'Art.