ESDC - Cultural Property Protection Course - University for Continuing Education Krems

European Security and Defence College (ESDC)

Since 2003, the European Union has played a central role in crisis management through its Common Security and Defence Policy and has proved its readiness to respond effectively and in timely fashion to emerging challenges through its missions and operations.

The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) is a key instrument of the EU in promoting peace, security, and stability. As an independent institution, it offers practice-oriented training and education within the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Its mission is to prepare civilian, diplomatic, police, and military personnel to effectively address current and future security challenges.

Founded in 2005, the ESDC has evolved into a network of civilian and military institutes, universities, academies, institutions, and other stakeholders engaged in security and defence matters within the EU. This structure enables the College to pool resources, exchange and disseminate best practices, and deliver high-quality training tailored to the diverse demands of the CSDP and CFSP.

ESDC Label

ESDC

Cultural Property Protection Course

The "Cultural Property Protection Course" was developed and piloted in 2022 by the Center for Cultural Property Protection in cooperation with the National Defence Academy and the Amt für Kultur of the Principality of Liechtenstein. The curriculum is composed of e-learning and on-site training.

Following official approval, the curriculum was integrated into the ESDC training programme and has since been conducted by international network partner organisations under the auspices of the ESDC.

The "Cultural Property Protection Course" aims to raise awareness of the need for cultural property protection in EU activities and to highlight various activities and efforts in this area.
The course offers an integrated approach to the protection of cultural property in crisis situations and provides best practices. Participants will identify and analyse challenges and develop tools to address them. Additionally, a network of professionals in the field of cultural property protection will be established.

Effective crisis management requires a combination of adequate capabilities and well-trained personnel.

ESDC

Course Content

Raise awareness of the importance of cultural property protection in the EU
Understand the complexity and diversity of cultural property protection
Gain insight into activities and measures for the protection of cultural property
Identify appropriate measures for the preservation and protection of cultural property
Active participation in the protection of cultural heritage
Foster cooperation with professionals in cultural property protection

ESDC

Course Methodology

Interdisciplinary and holistic approach to protecting cultural property in crisis situations
Best practices for planning and implementing effective measures through case studies and exercises
Understanding challenges through interdisciplinary expert lectures
Interactive discussions to analyse challenges in cultural property protection
Tools for managing and applying theoretical concepts to real scenarios
Active participation and knowledge exchange on an equal footing

ESDC

Course Objectives

Gain a broad understanding of heritage protection
Build capacity to take action to protect cultural heritage
Develop the ability to cooperate in national and international crises
Foster the protection of cultural property through cooperation

ESDC

Target Audience

civilian, military and police personnel from EU Member States, candidate countries and third countries
professionals from relevant EU institutions and agencies, CSDP Missions and Operations
members of international organisations, UN/OSCE structures and topic-related training institutions

The "ESDC Cultural Property Protection Course" is an excellent opportunity to gain a better understanding in the field of Cultural Property Protection, to contribute to the further development of a European Security Culture as well as cooperation between the EU and non-EU partners.

Participation and Registration

Each EU Member State has designated national nominators who are responsible for selecting candidates from among applicants originating from EU Member States, EU institutions, and EU agencies.
An overview of the responsible nominators is available at the following link: https://esdc.europa.eu/course-nominators

Applications from candidate countries, third countries, and international organizations should be sent directly via email to the ESDC Secretariat: SECRETARIAT-ESDC@eeas.europa.eu

In addition, the Center for Cultural Property Protection offers a limited number of course seats as part of the Certificate Program "Cultural Property Protection and Disaster Response, CP" and the Micro-Credential Program "International Cultural Property Protection, MCP" for the ESDC Cultural Property Protection Course, conducted at the University for Continuing Education Krems. This course is also exclusively open to civilians and members of emergency services.