12th Training Academy of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe

The 12th edition of the Training Academy of Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe was held from 11 to 13 June 2025 in Torres Vedras, Portugal. Organized collaboratively by several institutions — including the European Federation of Napoleonic Cities (Destination Napoleon), the European Federation Iter Vitis (Iter Vitis), the Rota Histórica das Linhas de Torres, the Association of Portuguese Wine Municipalities (AMPV), the Torres Vedras Municipality, and the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR) — the event brought together stakeholders and representatives from across Europe.
This year’s Academy was dedicated to the theme “Cooperation and Cultural Routes,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration at cross-cultural, cross-route, and transnational levels. Over the three days, participants engaged in thematic workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to strengthen ties between different Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe and foster joint initiatives.
The Iron Age Danube Route was among the routes represented, with its delegates expressing appreciation for the opportunity to join such a meaningful gathering. They highlighted the value of sharing best practices and strategies for fostering cooperation between diverse cultural, historical, and geographical contexts.
Set against the historical and scenic backdrop of Torres Vedras, the Academy provided an ideal environment for reflection and forward planning. The event reaffirmed the role of Cultural Routes as dynamic platforms for intercultural dialogue, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism across Europe.
The successful hosting of this 12th edition underscored the commitment of all partners involved in enhancing the visibility and impact of the Cultural Routes programme, and set a strong precedent for future cooperation and development in 2026 and beyond.