European identity and cultural heritage: the Mediterranean has its say

Abstract

Mediterranean Cultural Heritage (MCH) has become increasingly prominent within European cultural policy and identity-building strategies. This article explores how MCH has been addressed in European initiatives and academic research, combining qualitative analysis of institutional and policy frameworks with bibliometric network analysis. The study focuses on three main areas: the role of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) in heritage-related actions; the presence of MCH in two key European initiatives — the European Heritage Label and the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe; and the identification of trends in European academic production since the launch of the Barcelona Process in 1995. Findings show that MCH has been mobilised as a tool for cultural diplomacy, regional cooperation,and the promotion of shared values, although its representation often remains implicit and fragmented. While initiatives such as the Day of the Mediterranean and the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue highlight growing recognition of Mediterranean diversity,challenges persist concerning Eurocentrism, limited inclusivity, and instrumentalisation of heritage. Bibliometric analysis also reveals a strong focus on themes such as sustainability, climate change, and intangible heritage, with the Mediterranean Diet emerging as a particularly influential topic. The article concludes that MCH is increasingly used to support European identity narratives and regional engagement, yet calls for more integrated and participatory approaches that reflect the complexity of the Mediterranean space and its diverse cultural legacies.