European Route of Industrial Heritage e.V.
ERIH
The ERIH is the network for European Industrial Heritage Tourism.
ID: 891246734849-49
Lobbying Activity
Response to A Culture Compass for Europe
30 May 2025
ERIH Statement on the EU Cultural Compass Industrial heritage is a central part of Europes cultural legacy and a key asset for 21st-century cultural policy. Industrialisation has profoundly shaped Europe: its landscapes, cities, working and living conditions and it continues to influence our culture, values and social structures today. To understand Europe, one must understand its industrial past. This past is a shared European story. From Portugal to Poland, from Greece to Finland, industrial change unfolded across borders, through interconnected technological, economic and social developments. Industrial heritage is thus perhaps Europes most tangible common heritage a concrete expression of European identity. At the same time, industrial heritage is also about the future. Former industrial sites are becoming places of new work, new ways of living, cultural participation and innovation. Museums, cultural centres, creative hubs, educational institutions, urban parks and new sustainable production are emerging. These sites demonstrate how transformation can succeed making industrial heritage a key element in Europes current social and ecological transitions. As a culture of transformation, industrial heritage bridges past and future. Many formerly fossil-based sites are becoming laboratories for a post-fossil society fully aligned with the goals of the EU Green Deal. As cultural venues, they offer space for reflection and social dialogue, for creativity and innovation. Industrial heritage sites, with their often spectacular and distinctive architecture, also offer new perspectives for cultural tourism. Their unique atmosphere, monumental scale and historic character attract visitors, foster local pride and can drive sustainable regional development. As anchors of identity and storytelling, they are valuable assets in Europe's diverse tourism landscape. The European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH) the network that covers and links the rich and diverse landscape of industrial heritage sites in Europe has been promoting Europe-wide exchange, transfer of knowledge and raising awareness for 25 years. ERIH has been a Council of Europe Cultural Route since 2019, demonstrating the importance of this cultural sector. Support through the Creative Europe Network funding, participation in the European Heritage Alliance 3.0 and participation in the EU Commission's Cultural Heritage Expert Group also give industrial culture a voice and a face in Europe. Industrial culture is an important part of our European culture and continues to need a strong lobby in Europe. ERIH invites the EU to recognise this potential within the Cultural Compass. Industrial heritage is not just about remembrance it is living European culture in motion.
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