The European Union / Council of Europe Joint Project Community-led Urban Strategies in Historic Towns - COMUS is a good example of bringing together all relevant stakeholders for constructive dialogue around the principles of democratic participation.

Through the lens of heritage-led initiatives for sustainable development, successful integration of policies at local and national levels has been observed, where the stakeholders have been active players in the process. Fruitful co-operation between partner organisations has provided a significant number of opportunities for professional capacity development.

Furthermore, it has offered a sound methodology for social and economic development, by enhancing cultural heritage and urban regeneration in small and medium-sized historic towns.  Following a thirty-month implementation, the COMUS project will be concluded on 30 June 2017. 

Throughout the COMUS project, nine pilot towns produced significant amount of technical documents, promotional films and brochures.