Vujović: The Government Adopted the Program for Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage for 2026

In 2026, a budget of 769,000 euros was allocated for co-financing 54 projects through the Program for Protection and Preservation of Cultural Heritage, along with a Report on the implementation of the Program for 2025. The Public Call for interested entities, with a special focus on owners and holders of cultural assets, was announced to submit project proposals and programs that could be included in the Program. 'More than 100 proposals were submitted in response to the public call. The Directorate for Cultural Heritage and the Department for Cultural Assets Protection analyzed them in terms of justification, alignment with the operational goals of the Program, existing documentation of the Ministry and the Department, the condition of cultural assets, and the urgency of planned interventions,' said Vujović. 'Based on the analysis, a list of projects and programs was prepared, many of which are included in the 2026 Program. Priority is given to cultural assets requiring urgent conservation treatment, as well as the continuation of already initiated activities,' she concluded. After the adoption of the Program, the Ministry of Culture and Media will announce a public competition for the implementation of 54 projects and programs. In 2025, 65 projects with a total value of 929,000 euros were covered, and after the competition, 64 projects that met the required conditions and criteria were supported with a total of 917,000 euros,' said Vujović. She added that the Directorate for Cultural Heritage continuously monitors the implementation of supported projects. In 2025, users of funds are obliged to submit final reports, including financial indicators and photo documentation, to the Ministry in the fourth quarter of this year,' Vujović stated. According to preliminary reports from implementers, out of 64 supported projects, 15 have been completed, while 49 are in the implementation phase.