The AURORA Project is honored to be featured among key EU-funded initiatives in a recent European Commission document addressing the protection of cultural heritage in Europe. This recognition underscores AURORA’s commitment to developing innovative tools to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural goods.

The document highlights the significant risks faced by cultural assets, including theft, illicit excavations, and forgery, often linked to organized crime and, in some cases, terrorist groups. Projects like AURORA are pioneering advanced solutions such as chemical markings, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms to counter these threats. These technologies aim to enhance the identification and recovery of stolen or looted artifacts, thereby supporting law enforcement agencies, museums, and cultural institutions in their preservation efforts.

AURORA’s inclusion in this document reflects its pivotal role in safeguarding Europe’s rich cultural heritage. By leveraging cutting-edge research and technology, the project contributes to the broader EU strategy to protect and cherish cultural assets for future generations.