On May 9th 2023, the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Programme took part in Europe Day at Kirchberg, Luxembourg, with an information stand highlighting its activities and its Cultural Routes network. Visitors were able to visit over 70 stands representing EU member countries, European entities and institutions. The Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes, which has been based in Luxembourg since 2011, was able to take part in this festive day and meet many of the participants.
Each year, Europe Day pays tribute to Robert Schuman's 1950 declaration and celebrates the European values of peace, unity, solidarity, democracy and freedom. This day was also part of the "Council of Europe Visibility Days" as part of the "Telling the Council of Europe" initiative, launched to raise awareness of the Council of Europe within its member states. This initiative highlights how the Council of Europe impacts the lives of millions of European citizens by protecting their fundamental rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
The Council of Europe's Cultural Routes programme was represented by its Secretariat (EPA and EICR) and presented the 48 Routes certified by the Council of Europe, as well as its regular activities. Numerous brochures on the Council of Europe and its importance for Europe were also made available to visitors. A quiz specially designed for the occasion encouraged visitors to the stand to explore the Itineraries and the Council of Europe and its values through the wide range of information material available.
The day was a great success, providing an opportunity to promote the Council of Europe's activities, notably through the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes, but also in other areas such as the impact of the European Convention on Human Rights at national level, the protection of women and girls against violence through the Istanbul Convention, and the guarantee of freedom of expression and freedom of the media.
