European Cultural Convention
The European Cultural Convention is an international Council of Europe's treaty to strengthen, deepen and further develop a European culture, by using local culture as a starting point. Setting common goals and a plan of action to reach an integrated European society, celebrating universal values, rights and diversity. The Convention contributes to joint action by encouraging cultural activities of European interest.
Front page of the European Cultural Convention at German Bundesgesetzblatt (BGBl.) in English, French and German.
European Heritage Days (EHD) is a joint action of the Council of Europe and the European Commission involving all 50 signatory states of the European Cultural Convention under the motto, Europe: a common heritage. The annual programme offers opportunities to visit buildings, monuments and sites, many of which are not normally accessible to the public. It aims to widen access and foster care for architectural and environmental heritage. These events are also known as Doors Open Days and Open Doors Days in English-speaking countries.
Visitors waiting for a guided tour at the van Nelle Factory, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, on 14 September 2014 during the European Heritage Days. As of 2014, the van Nelle Factory, a World Heritage site, was only open to visitors during the European Heritage Days.