Framework Agreement for Collaboration with the European Institute of Cultural Routes

The Black Sea Universities Network (BSUN) represented by the President, Prof. Pericles Mitkas, signed the Framework Agreement for Collaboration with the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR), technical agency of the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Programme, represented by Mr. Stefano Dominioni, Executive Secretary of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe (EPA and EICR Director. By signing this framework agreement, BSUN becomes part of the network of universities that are developing studies in the field of Cultural Routes, consisting of theoretical studies and interdisciplinary experimental activities to support cultural routes and in particular, the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe. The implementation of this agreement on behalf of BSUN will be coordinated by Prof. Eden Mamut, BSUN Secretary General.

In this way, BSUN will cooperate for the realization of course modules on the topics related to Cultural Routes that will be integrated in the study programs of the member universities. There will be opportunities of internships for students at the European Institute of Cultural Routes and collaborative projects with the aim to integrate scientific research activities. There will be developed publications and conferences, facilitating the access of students and researchers to databases, libraries and other sources of information.

The Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe Programme was launched in 1987 as an initiative to promote a better knowledge and understanding of the common European heritage. There are currently more than 30 certified networks that provide a wide range of leisure and education activities for all citizens in Europe and beyond. These networks cover various topics, from architecture, cultural landscapes, gastronomy to prominent figures in European art, music or literature.

Under the auspices of these networks, innovative activities and projects structured on the following 5 axes, are implemented:

- Co-operation in research and development;

- Enhancement of memory, history and European heritage;

- Cultural and educational exchanges for young Europeans;

- Contemporary cultural and artistic practice;

- Cultural tourism and sustainable cultural development.

The involvement of BSUN in the activities related to the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe was coordinated with the International Permanent Secretariat of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation – BSEC - PERMIS.

As it is well known, from January 1st, 2020, Romania holds the Presidency of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, and in the official program there were included several activities organized by BSUN. Therefore, between March 9thand 10th, 2020, it was organized in Constanta the 1st International Conference on Blue Growth in the Black Sea Region: "Ecosystem Services on River-Sea Macro-ecosystems".

In this context, by signing the agreement with the European Institute of Cultural Routes, BSUN intends to promote the Black Sea Region and South-Eastern Europe under the framework of Cultural Routes.

Coordinated by the BSUN Executive Board, an extensive program is being prepared, that includes the promotion of a new European Route on "The Blue Growth Culture in the Lower Danube Valley and the Black Sea Coast", acronym - Istro-Dobro-Pontica. Also, there will be organized scientific events, such as: the International Conference on "Social Cohesion in the Black Sea Region", summer schools, scientific research projects and other similar activities.