Provadia-Solnitsata, recognized as the earliest salt production and urban center in Europe, received the European Heritage Label (EHL) for 2026 during an official ceremony in Brussels. The event, held at the Art & History Museum, marked the 15th anniversary of the initiative. According to the National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the inclusion of new sites brings the total number of EHL holders to 80 across 23 European countries.
The ceremony gathered members of the European Parliament, European institution representatives, diplomats, cultural heritage experts, and stakeholders. The program featured artistic performances and exhibitions showcasing various EHL sites. The 2025 selection incorporated 13 new sites, demonstrating the diversity and depth of Europe’s shared history and cultural landscape.
These sites were chosen by an independent expert panel from 21 candidates, based not only on historical importance but also on their dedication to education, public engagement, and promoting European values, particularly among younger generations. Commissioner Micallef stated that the newly awarded locations exemplify the core principles of the European Heritage Label. He noted that these sites reflect the richness of Europe’s shared history, aiding citizens in connecting with their identity and common heritage.
The leaders of the Provadia-Solnitsata project attended the ceremony and received the symbolic plaque from Commissioner Micallef. Academician Vasil Nikolov emphasized the site’s significance to early European history and expressed gratitude to the expert panel, the EHL Bureau, and the European Commission. The European Heritage Label, supported by the European Commission through the Creative Europe programme, has consistently aimed to enhance the visibility of Europe’s shared heritage since 2011.
Topics: #european #solnitsata #salt
