Member States which did not participate in the intergovernmental European Heritage Label initiative of 2006 (‘intergovernmental initiative’) may pre-select up to four sites in 2013 for the attribution of the label.

Member States which participated in the intergovernmental initiative may pre-select up to four sites in 2014 for the attribution of the label. They may propose sites which were already awarded a label within the intergovernmental initiative.

All sites referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be assessed by the European panel on the basis of the same criteria and follow the same procedure as those for other sites.

Where one of the sites referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 does not meet the criteria or if further information is needed, the European panel shall initiate a dialogue with the Member State concerned via the Commission in order to examine whether the application can be improved before a decision is taken. Visits to the site may be organised if necessary.