The programme of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and the Faro Convention were presented on 23rd November at a meeting held in Alicante organized by the Ministry of Culture of Spain on the topic “European Heritage Projects, using European Heritage as a resource for interculturality” within the framework of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union.

The meeting focused on the importance of European treaties and projects in the field of protection, enhancement of cultural heritage and its contribution to the progress of societies.

Eladio FERNÁNDEZ-GALIANO, member of the Board of Directors of the European Institute of Cultural Routes and Programme Special Representative, presented the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Programme as lever for citizens' participation and dialogue. The presentation was the occasion of presenting the scope of action and visibility activities of the programme, in particularly in Spain, the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Conventions and Values, and the good practices in the field of citizens' participation and dialogue.

Three certified cultural routes (European Routes of Emperor Charles V, European Route of Jewish Heritage and Transhumance trails) were also presented by their managers.

Spain is a member State of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe since 2011. There are currently 5 certified Cultural Routes with headquarters in Spain and 25 Cultural Routes crossing the country.

Mr. Sergio ORTEGA, Head of the Heritage Protection and European Programmes Service of the Management and Coordination of Cultural Assets of the Ministry of culture and sport of Spain is the national representatives of Spain to the EPA on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.