On 15 and 16 December, the first meeting of the reflection group on the thematic representativeness of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe was held at the Council of Europe offices in Paris.

Launched by the Governing Board of the Enlarged Partial Agreement (EPA) on Cultural Routes at its annual meeting in May, this group is tasked with examining and discussing the current levels of representativeness within the Programme. Its work focuses in particular on historical and cultural expressions related to women, science, minorities, and intangible heritage, as well as on the consideration of contemporary cultural and technological developments.

The group is also responsible for formulating operational recommendations aimed at supporting the strategic development of the Programme and its stronger alignment with the values and priorities of the Council of Europe, including democracy, human rights, intercultural dialogue, and access to culture for all.

The reflection group brings together representatives from the EPA Bureau, member states, international organisations with observer or participatory status, and several Council of Europe bodies. Representatives of certified Cultural Routes and thematic experts complete this multidisciplinary composition.

Through working groups and plenary sessions, supported by a preliminary study mapping the thematic representativeness of the Programme, participants shared their expectations, perspectives, and working methods, which will structure the group’s activities until the presentation of its final conclusions, scheduled for May 2027.