The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe were present and represented at the Week of the Mediterranean Coast and Macro-Regional Regional Strategies, organised in Izola, Slovenia from 15 to 17 September by the EUSAIR Facility Point. The event was held in the framework of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) focussed on the future of EU Cohesion Policy and macro-regional cooperation.
Rui Gomes, Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes, took part in two panels and presented how the Cultural Routes programme, as an established model of European cooperation, contributes to sustainable tourism, effective joint investments and has the potential to be part of macro-regional objectives in the 2028-2034 programming period. His message highlighted the capacity of the routes for local and regional heritage and initiatives, especially in rural and lesser-known areas. This potential is enhanced by the participation and vitality of the various grassroots actors who give life and meaning to the Council of Europe’s values and missions through the routes.
According to the organisers, the participants in the week developed joint partnerships and concrete project ideas and deepened their understanding of the links between Interreg programmes and the main EU programmes, including the National and Regional Partnership Plans- The results provide an important basis for further cooperation and preparation for the 2028–2034 programming period. It is expected that this should interest and involve Cultural Routes active in the region.
A meeting with Cultural Routes in Slovenia was also held attended by Rui Gomes on 15 September. The participants were eager to learn about the developments in the programme, notably related to the 40th anniversary, and the connections with Slovenia and the region. The representative of the Ministry of Culture of Slovenia to the Governing Board of the Enlarged Partial Agreement, Irena Marš, organised the meeting and will make proposals for its follow-up.
