I arrived in Cyprus at the end of May, when the island was already firmly in the grip of summer. The heat was almost relentless, with temperatures climbing well above 35°C every day. The locals were quick to reassure me that we were actually fortunate this year, as they claimed it was at least ten degrees cooler than during the same period last year. If that is true, I can hardly imagine what last year must have felt like.

Before the official programme of my trip began, I met my old friend Andreas in Nicosia, the founder of the Cyprus Motorcycle Museum. Over the decades, Andreas built an impressive collection that tells the story of motorcycling on the island and beyond. Today, the museum has been taken over by his son Nico, who continues his father's work with great dedication. Like Andreas, he is an excellent mechanic, a passionate motorcyclist, and a true enthusiast of motorcycle history. It was wonderful to see how knowledge, passion, and commitment to technical heritage are being passed from one generation to the next.

Nicosia is a city of remarkable contrasts. It is the last divided capital in Europe, where Greek and Turkish histories intertwine among ancient fortifications, narrow streets of the old town, and modern business districts. Walking through the city, one immediately senses the rich and complex history of Cyprus, an island situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

After my pleasant meeting with Andreas, the official part of my visit began, that is Europa Nostra Summer Summit 2026. In the afternoon, we gathered at the THOC Theatre (Cyprus Theatre Organisation), where various heritage projects and initiatives were presented. We heard inspiring stories from across Europe, ranging from the restoration of historic sites and traditional crafts to innovative approaches to engaging young people in heritage preservation.

I was particularly delighted to learn that Slovenia was among this year's award recipients. The project School of Restoration for New Generations received recognition for its work in preserving traditional skills and involving young people. This is a subject very close to my heart through my work with FIVA and SVAMZ, as the historic vehicle movement faces the same challenge every day: how to transfer knowledge, craftsmanship, and enthusiasm to future generations.

The General Assembly of Europa Nostra followed, together with numerous professional meetings and discussions. This year's gathering was especially significant for me because I was confirmed as a member of the Europa Nostra Council. It was a moment of great pride and responsibility, as I became the first Slovenian ever elected to the organisation's highest governing body, and also the first representative of historic vehicles and mobile technical heritage to hold such a position.

This recognition is not only a personal achievement but also an acknowledgement of Slovenia, SVAMZ, FIVA, and everyone who has worked tirelessly to ensure that mobile heritage is recognised as an integral part of Europe's cultural heritage. Historic vehicles are far more than technical objects. They are carriers of knowledge, craftsmanship, design, industrial history, and social development. They are moving museums that tell the story of European innovation, creativity, and everyday life across generations.

Throughout the Assembly, I had the opportunity to listen to many distinguished speakers and participate in discussions about the future of European cultural heritage. Representatives of Creative Europe, the European Committee of the Regions, EIT Culture & Creativity, and numerous heritage experts shared their perspectives. The summit was also attended by European Commissioner Glenn Micallef, President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, and HRH Princess Dana Firas.

Particularly interesting were the discussions about future European funding opportunities. The new AgoraEU programme, worth several billion euros, was presented as an important instrument supporting local heritage, traditional crafts, and minority cultures. Many speakers emphasised that after 2028, regions themselves will play an increasingly important role in allocating European funds, making strong partnerships and well-prepared projects more important than ever.

I also followed with great interest the discussions surrounding the Cultural Compass, which is becoming one of the key frameworks for shaping future European cultural policies.

One statement resonated strongly throughout the event: “Lack of money is not a strategy; it is merely a good intention.” It perfectly captured the challenges faced by the cultural heritage sector across Europe today.

For me, it was especially encouraging that industrial heritage featured prominently in many of the discussions. Representatives of Europa Nostra, especially the President of the Industrial Committee Mr. Laconte highlighted the need to give greater visibility and recognition to technical, industrial, and engineering heritage. This presents an important opportunity for historic vehicles, which represent a significant chapter of Europe's industrial and technological history.

Another major theme was the growing political pressure on culture and heritage. Speakers warned against the instrumentalisation of heritage for political purposes and stressed the importance of freedom of expression, open dialogue, and historical integrity. Cultural heritage, they argued, must remain a space for understanding, reflection, and shared European identity.

Almost every discussion touched upon the role of young people. How can we involve them in decision-making? How can we inspire them to engage with heritage? How can we pass on valuable knowledge and skills? These are the same questions we address within FIVA and SVAMZ, and I was pleased to see youth engagement emerge as one of the central themes of this year's gathering.

As I left Nicosia on the final day, I felt that I was returning home with new ideas, new partnerships, and new responsibilities. My appointment to the Europa Nostra Council opens new opportunities not only for Slovenia but also for historic vehicles and mobile heritage throughout Europe. If we wish to preserve technical knowledge, traditional crafts, and the stories carried by historic vehicles, we must be present where European cultural policies are being shaped.

I will remember Cyprus for its intense heat, its Mediterranean atmosphere, its fascinating people, and its inspiring discussions. Above all, however, I will remember it as the place where historic vehicles and mobile heritage gained a stronger voice within Europe's most important cultural institutions.