The European Institute of Cultural Routes, technical agency of the Programme "Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe", celebrated its 20th anniversary on 31^st May and 1^st June 2018.

Launched by the Council of Europe in 1987, the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe demonstrate, through the journey through time and space that the heritage of different European countries contributes to the common cultural heritage. The Routes are the local networks that implement fundamental values of the Council of Europe: human rights, cultural democracy, diversity and cultural identity, exchanges and mutual enrichment across borders and centuries. They act as bridges for intercultural dialogue and the promotion of a better knowledge and understanding of the history of European identity.

The event, which took place at the Neumünster Abbey in Luxembourg, headquarters of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes, welcomed the Ambassadors of the 47 Council of Europe member states (Representatives in Strasbourg) and Observers. A conference dedicated to the program of the Cultural Routes was held on 31 May 2018 and brought together representatives of the Certified Cultural Routes, the University Network for Cultural Routes Studies, users of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and international experts in the fields of culture, heritage and tourism.

An Audience granted by His Royal Highness the Grand-Duke of Luxembourg (in the photo) concluded the official programme.