The Europeana conference is a leading event in the world of digital cultural heritage and a flagship of the common European data space for cultural heritage. We are honoured that this year’s edition - Europeana 2025 - Preserve, Protect, Reuse - is taking place under the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU, in the vibrant Polish capital Warsaw.
Organised in collaboration and partnership with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland, the National Institute of Cultural Heritage and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Europeana 2025 offers a fantastic opportunity to meet with, learn from and work with your peers and hear the latest developments in the digital cultural heritage ecosystem.
You can see the full programme through our ticketing software, and below we are delighted to share some of our speakers’ reflections on why they are excited to attend Europeana 2025, and why preserve, protect and reuse are important topics for their work and the work of our sector.
Dr. Birgitte Aga, Head of Innovation & Research, MUNCH
Birgitte Aga will give a keynote on ‘Demystifying AI and unlocking the power of cultural heritage data.’ She says, ‘I’m honoured to speak at Europeana 2025 – a space where culture, technology, and public values meet. The theme of preserve, protect, reuse couldn’t be more timely. As stewards of both heritage and data, we must ensure that the digital future we build is inclusive, ethical, and grounded in democratic values. Culture has the power to shape technology as much as technology shapes culture – and that’s where our responsibility begins.’
Reflecting on the topic of her keynote, Birgitte notes that, ‘AI is not just about technology — it’s about choices, values, and the future we want to create. As stewards of culture and data, we have a responsibility to shape technology in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and grounded in public good. That’s why we must all take part in shaping AI.’
Jason Evans, Open Data Manager at the National Library of Wales
Jason Evans - Chair of the Europeana Impact Community - is running a workshop on ‘Creating lasting impact and understanding change’. He says, ‘I'm super excited to be leading an Impact workshop at Europeana 2025. I've been working with my fellow Impact Steering Group members to promote the Europeana Impact playbook and encourage more people to consider Impact as they plan and deliver projects. The Conference provides a perfect platform for us to showcase the value of this toolkit and to connect with existing and prospective impact practitioners, through our engaging, hands-on workshop!’
‘Preserving and protecting our content, both in the physical and digital realms is critical, and the AI boom is forcing us to adapt quickly to a new reality. So now more than ever we need to come together, to discuss, to share and most importantly to collaborate in order to safeguard and enrich our data. I firmly believe we are stronger together! But preserving and protecting our content has little value if it cannot be reused, so I'm looking forward to hearing more about new and innovative approaches to reuse from our conference speakers.’
Maciej Hofman, Independent Consultant working on creative sectors’ policies and digital cultures
Maciej Hofman is moderating a session on ‘Funding the future: opportunities for digital heritage’. He says, ‘I am very happy to be at Europeana 2025 to steer the discussion on funding for the digital cultural heritage ecosystem, from the EU and other funding sources. We will be talking about current opportunities and open calls, but also about what’s coming, with the European Union soon to start negotiating its future multiannual budget and programmes. Exciting times ahead!’
‘Nothing exemplifies preserve, protect and reuse coming together better than digital cultural heritage. I am also looking forward to finding out more on how the common European data space for cultural heritage can better link these three aspects.’
Sorina Neacsu - President, European Students Association for Cultural Heritage (ESACH)
Sorina Neacsu will deliver a welcome message on behalf of ESACH at the conference’s opening. She shares, ‘There are many ESACH members attending Europeana 2025, and we’re thrilled to speak on behalf of ESACH, a network committed to elevating the voice of youth in the cultural heritage sector.’
‘This year’s theme - preserve, protect and reuse - resonates deeply with our mission to move from preservation to regeneration. Young heritage professionals are ready to lead this shift, using digital innovation, climate action, and inclusive governance to ensure that heritage is not only safeguarded, but actively shaping a more sustainable and connected Europe. Europeana 2025 provides the collaborative platform needed to turn these ideas into impact.’
Brigitte Vézina, Director of Policy and Open Culture Creative Commons
Brigitte Vézina will be speaking on the panel, ‘Opening up the data space: expanding access and reuse’, on the second day of the conference. She says, ‘I'm excited to take part in a thought-provoking conversation on how to make the common European data space for cultural heritage a place for broad and responsible data sharing and reuse, especially in the context of AI, and I’m really looking forward to sharing the stage with such inspiring co-panelists as Maja Drabzyck, Marie-Véronique Leroi and Sebastian Majstorovic.’
‘Preserving, protecting and reusing our shared heritage are essential ingredients to really bring it to life in the digital space in fresh and exciting ways and to ensure its sustainable transmission to future generations.’
Get your ticket now
All sounding good to you? Then don’t miss your chance to get your ticket now!
If you would like to attend the conference in person please register by 9 June - we would love to see you in Warsaw!
You can also register to attend online until 12 June.
