Following the series of policy briefs elaborated by the B-Shapes project, we present now the PB #4 on Cultural and Cultural Heritage Policies affecting Borderlands by Caitriona Mullan, Oriana Miraka, Sara Svensson, Martin Guillermo Ramírez and Tomas Nilson.
Borders Shaping Perceptions of European Societies (B-SHAPES) is a Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action project analyzing and assessing how borders are still a key factor in how we understand societies. Eight European universities, one research institute, a national museum, a foundation, a political association, a consultancy, and an art collective have come together for three years1. The special border region focus promises new insights into how borders shape perceptions of societies, but also how the story of borders can be narrated differently than from a purely national perspective.
This policy briefing paper is the fourth in a series produced by B-SHAPES to summarise and disseminate key findings from the research in a way that can support an evidence-informed approach to policy debates and offer considerations for policymakers and those interested in the role of borders in a wider context of EU Cohesion policy and practice.
The 4th B-shapes Policy Brief focuses on borderlands as shared (European) heritage sites and the extent to which that is considered in cultural policy and cultural heritage policy. While policymakers aim to frame borderlands as reconciliation spaces, this sub-study of the B-shapes project finds that national, regional, and local policies often overlook their unique cross-border cultural dimensions. National policies frequently lack relevance to cross-border cooperation, while regional and local policies show inconsistent engagement. Recognized national minorities often drive cultural initiatives, but these are primarily targeted at the minorities and their cultural connections with their kin-state. Policies tend to prioritize economic benefits, such as fostering shared cultural identity. Stakeholder engagement and alignment with EU frameworks vary widely, with some regions focusing on sustainability and digitalization. Recommendations include fostering cross-scale cooperation, leveraging both national and new minorities, integrating youth perspectives, and enhancing EU-level collaboration.
Read the entire B-Shapes Policy Brief #4 here
Visit our projects section to read other policy briefs, more B-Shapes publications (as long as the project is coming to its end), and other relevant aspects. You can also visit the B-Shapes website.
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