On 25–26 June 2026, the DANUBE WOOD(s) ROUTE Partner & Steering Committee Meeting and the Capitalization Event of the 1st and 2nd Call Interreg Danube Region Programme Projects brought together project partners from across the Danube Region in Belgrade, Serbia. The event was hosted by the Serbian project partner, the Danube Competence Center.

Representatives of the Varna Economic Development Agency (VEDA) actively participated online, joining discussions on the project’s progress and the next implementation steps.

The opening session featured presentations of the 2026 Strategic Flagship Projects and welcomed representatives of the European Commission, the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, the Ministry of Tourism of Bulgaria, and the DANUBE WOOD(s) ROUTE Lead Partner.

During the Capitalization Event, partners exchanged experience and presented successful results from several Interreg Danube Region Programme projects, including DanubeCrafts, ROMAN LEGACY, TRANSDINARICA2, SReST, and other initiatives contributing to a more sustainable, innovative, and connected Danube Region.

The second day was dedicated to the DANUBE WOOD(s) ROUTE Partner and Steering Committee Meetings, where partners reviewed the project’s progress, coordinated the remaining implementation activities, and discussed future cooperation.

A key milestone ahead is the joint preparation of the application to the Council of Europe for the certification of the Danube Wood(s) Cultural Route as an official European Cultural Route. This important step will contribute to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the unique forest and wood heritage of the Danube Region.

Through close international cooperation, the DANUBE WOOD(s) ROUTE project continues to connect nature, cultural heritage, local traditions, and sustainable tourism, creating new opportunities for regional development and cross-border collaboration.

VEDA is proud to contribute to this international initiative and to support the shared vision of a greener, more connected, and culturally vibrant Danube Region.

#DanubeWoodsRoute #InterregDanube #DanubeRegion #CulturalRoutes #SustainableTourism #CulturalHeritage #CrossBorderCooperation #Innovation #VEDA