CA24119 - Cultural Property Protection for All (CPP4ALL)

The discovery of a message stating “With the trafficking of works of art we support our family” in the hideout of Mafia Boss Messina Denaro, arrested after 30 years on the run, underscores the deep connection between art trafficking and organized crime. Quantifying illegal revenues remains challenging due to the covert nature of these activities, yet criminals persistently exploit the illicit trade of cultural artifacts, depriving humanity of valuable archaeological knowledge and fragments of shared heritage. This issue transcends regional or failed-state boundaries, affecting numerous EU Member States. Despite isolated efforts, a comprehensive, coordinated approach involving all stakeholders is urgently needed but has yet to be fully implemented.

In response, this Action seeks to establish a network of excellence that integrates, harmonizes, and disseminates existing knowledge while fostering the development of innovative services and tools to enhance cultural property protection across Europe and beyond. CPP4ALL will be structured into several Working Groups focused on advancing technological solutions, addressing legislative gaps, raising awareness, and informing policy development.

To realize these goals, the initiative unites experts from diverse disciplines, including archaeology, engineering, law, social sciences, and humanities, and sectors such as academia, industry, research, civil society, and public institutions. The network will extend to COST countries, International Partner Countries, and Near Neighbor Countries, prioritizing gender balance and actively promoting the engagement of young researchers and innovators, thereby ensuring a multidisciplinary and inclusive framework for safeguarding cultural heritage.