ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL PROTECTION OF INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THE COUNTRIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

The article addresses the issue of administrative and legal protection of intangible cultural heritage in the European Union countries, which is of great importance for preserving the cultural diversity and identity of European peoples. The author analyzes key legislative acts and initiatives aimed at safeguarding and promoting intangible cultural heritage at both national and international levels, particularly based on the provisions of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Special attention is given to the role of local communities in preserving and transmitting cultural traditions, as well as to the mechanisms of international cooperation that facilitate the exchange of experience among EU member states. The article also explores the challenges faced by EU countries in implementing the administrative and legal protection of intangible cultural heritage. These challenges include globalization, armed conflicts, climate change, and the disappearance of certain communities. The author emphasizes the need to strengthen existing legal mechanisms and develop new strategies for the effective protection of cultural heritage. The study highlights the significance of involving local communities in the decision-making process related to the protection of intangible cultural heritage and the importance of raising public awareness about its preservation. Furthermore, the author focuses on the fact that the experience of EU countries in the field of administrative and legal protection of intangible cultural heritage is of particular importance for Ukraine, which is striving for integration with the European Union. The article offers recommendations for adapting successful EU practices to Ukrainian realities, which will contribute to the improvement of national mechanisms for cultural heritage protection. The author notes that the protection of intangible cultural heritage is not only a matter of preserving the past but also an essential element in building a shared future based on respect for cultural diversity and the collective memory of humanity. Thus, the article makes a significant contribution to understanding the importance of administrative and legal protection of intangible cultural heritage in the context of European integration, emphasizing the need to strengthen international cooperation, raise public awareness, and engage all stakeholders in the process of cultural heritage preservation.